Mary Rita Hillin

Mary Rita Hillin, age 82, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on April 5, 2026, at Stormont Vail Hospital.

Mary was born on December 16, 1943, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Cyrus Garland Platt and Dorris (Kerrick) Platt. She was raised with strong values rooted in faith, education, and service, principles that guided her throughout her life.

Mary was a proud graduate of Great Bend High School, Class of 1962. She went on to attend Fort Hays State University, earning her degree in Sociology in 1966. She later obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas in 1970, followed by her Ph.D. in Education from Kansas State University in 1983.

On June 6, 1970, Mary was united in marriage to Harvey Hillin at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Great Bend, Kansas. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and shared purpose.

Mary dedicated her life’s work to serving others as a social worker with the State of Kansas Department for Children and Families. She also shared her knowledge and passion for helping others as a professor at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, leaving a lasting impact on her students and colleagues.

Mary found joy in painting, playing golf, and cooking, where she was known as an exceptionally talented cook. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family and grandchildren. In quieter moments, she enjoyed reading and continued to nurture her lifelong curiosity and love of learning.

Mary was a devoted member of St. David’s Episcopal Church. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was actively involved in Daughters of the King, the Let’s Help cooking crew, the Altar Guild, and the vestry.

She is survived by her loving husband, Harvey Hillin; her children, Luke Hillin (Kathy) and Andrew Hillin (Erika); her grandchildren, Eduard and Aleksander Hillin; her brother, Robert Platt; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gordon Platt (Telse).

Services at St. David's Episcopal Church are pending at this time.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mary's memory to St. David's Episcopal Church. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.