ILION - Betty J. (Hillegas) Archer, age 81, a lifelong resident of Ilion, NY, passed away surrounded with family love on Monday evening December 8, 2014 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in the town of New Hartford, NY. The family is grateful for the care extended by the CCU staff of the hospital during this unexpected time. She was born on December 12, 1932 in South Ilion, a daughter of the late LeRoy and Louise (Clemens) Hillegas and was educated in our area, namely in small, quaint country and Ilion schools. Betty retired several years ago from the housekeeping department of the Valley Health Services in Herkimer. She had worked at Duofold at one time for a ten year period. She was currently a member of the Ilion Moose Auxiliary and was of the Methodist faith. Betty loved to spend time watching her grandson's go-kart racing. She dearly loved those that loved her and was a soft and gentle soul. She is survived by her beloved family including her son Wayne Archer and his wife Laura of Ilion, her daughter Gail Smith and her husband James of Herkimer, a brother LeRoy Hillegas of Texas, her grandchildren James Smith, Jr. (Kristen), Melissa Smith (Aaron O'Bryan), Dylan Wayne Archer, and Kimberly Lasher (Zachary), five great - grandchildren, Jordan, Logan, Emiley, Olivia, and Graclyn and her special friends through the years Alice Waldron, Colleen Cook, and Luci Enea. She was predeceased by a daughter Pam Archer, a sister Crystal Hillegas, and two brothers Raymond and Donald. Betty's funeral arrangements are with The Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road (Town of Frankfort), Ilion, NY. The funeral home can be reached at (315) 894-8000. Funeral services at the funeral home will be held on Thursday evening December 11, 2014 at 8 PM in the chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Hans Drews officiating. Spring interment will take place in Mountain View Memorial Gardens, town of Little Falls. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on Thursday evening prior to the funeral service from 6 until 8 PM. The Women Auxiliary of the Moose will not perform a ritual for Betty as they have a prior commitment earlier that evening. Those wishing to remember Betty in a special way are asked to consider a donation to the Amazing Gracie's Gift Foundation P.O. Box 134 Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To leave an online note of sympathy, please visit www.eneafamily.com