Elaine Willingham Obituary

Ruby Elaine Hass Willingham, 77, passed from this life into the loving embrace of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene, Texas. Elaine was born in Merkel, Texas February 7, 1946 to Gordon Hass and Nollie Jaynes Hass, who predeceased her.

Elaine graduated from Baird High School in May, 1964 and Weatherford College in May, 2000. Elaine was a member of the 1964 State Champion Baird High School basketball team. That team lost only 1 game in route to beating Jourdanton 85 to 68 in the 1963-1964 Class 1A state championship game. She was salutatorian of the 1964 graduating class and was selected as the FFA Sweetheart that year.

As a licensed cosmetologist, member of the Lone Star Style Committee and Master Stylist, Elaine owned, operated and managed several salons in Abilene over the years and traveled across the US, participating in style shows, instructing cosmetologists in color, cut and style techniques. She retired as the cosmetology instructor for Cisco College in Cisco, Texas.

In addition to her parents, Elaine was predeceased by her beloved and cherished sister, Janice Hass McWhorter, and a brother, Tommy Hass. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Vernon Willingham of Baird; a son, Michael Willingham of Abilene, Texas; a daughter, Dawn Willingham of Baird; grandchildren Bryce Willingham of Grapevine, Texas and Beiya Ramirez of Clyde, Texas; a brother Dickie Hass and wife Jan of Abilene; an uncle, Stanley Hass of Hobbs, New Mexico, plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and life-long friends.

A visitation is scheduled on October 13, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Parker-Jacobs Funeral Home in Baird and a memorial service on October 14, 2023 at 10:30 AM at the Methodist Church of Baird.