Edith Viola Robards Hillyard, 95, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Redbanks Nursing Home under the compassionate care of Redbanks and St. Anthony's Hospice.

Edith, better known as "EO" to family and friends, was born on October 16, 1930, in Sebree, Kentucky, to the late Mary Ruby Williams and Alvin Jerome Robards.  After raising her three daughters, Edith pivoted to a rewarding second career as a Lab Clerk at Henderson Community Methodist Hospital, where she retired after 30 years of dedicated service.  She was a longtime member of Bennett Memorial Methodist Church and later First Christian Church.

Edith's corner home in downtown Henderson was a local landmark as a magnet for activity.  Her legendary green thumb was on full display every season, prompting many to drive by just to see what was in bloom – or to see what seasonal outfit her ceramic goose was wearing.  Whether she was hosting an impromptu yard sale or welcoming visitors to her front porch for a cold drink and even better conversation, Edith ensured her home was a place where everyone felt like family.

Edith taught her daughters and grandchildren to follow the beat of their own drum.  A never-tiring pedestrian, Edith never held a driver's license; instead, she would often be seen walking to shops in downtown Henderson, always taking the initiative to "get her steps in" before it was a trend.  She was famous for making her signature biscuits and gravy in an electric skillet during her many cherished sleepovers with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jean Chapman; her brothers, T.G. Robards, Al Robards, Jr., and Jim Robards; her devoted son-in-law, Keith Lambert.

Survivors include her three daughters, Joyce Lutz (Tim), Ginger Lambert, and Judy Cavins (John); grandchildren, Cory Coggins (Ashley), Dan Lutz (Laura McSpedon), Jacob Cavins (Melissa), Audrey Cavins, and Kelly Lutz (Adam Pelak), four great-grandchildren, Sam, Judith, Lucy, and Li-Lou; and nieces and nephews.

Words cannot express the compassion, love, and level of care she received from Redbanks Marina Unit, Harbor Unit, and Hospice Unit from all staff and employees while she called Redbanks her home for 13 years.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.  The Reverend Tim Shockley will officiate.  Private burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to "Opening of Minds Through Art" program at Redbanks Nursing Home, 851 Kimsey Lane, Henderson, Kentucky 42420.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.