Nina Marie (McKissick) Lilly

Nina Marie Lilly, 45, passed away on March 18, 2026, after a battle with cirrhosis. She lived many beautiful roles; each one held with a tenderness that touched every life around her.

Nina was born in Ogden, Utah, and was lovingly raised by her parents, Paula and Chris Higgs. From a young age, she showed remarkable talent in art, enjoying painting figurines, writing, scrapbooking, photography, and cross-stitch, among many other creative pursuits. Nina’s greatest joy was her family.

She married Raymond “Ray” Lilly on January 7, 2011, and spent many years together raising their children and sharing all life’s milestones.

Nina loved her children, Jordan Snodgrass, Jaden Suiter, and Axton Lilly, Anthony “Tony” Lilly (Heaven) and Merissa Lilly (Dax); and was blessed with her beloved granddaughter, Xurianna Loftus. She is also survived by her husband, Raymond Lilly and children; her parents, Paula and Chris Higgs; her sister, Ronna Staton (Justin); her grandmothers, Carma McKissick and Rosemary Higgs; and her aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her brother, Lee Staton; her grandfathers, Robert McKissick and Joe Higgs; and her stepfather, Ron Staton.

Nina spent many meaningful years working at Manuel’s El Burrito, where she built lasting friendships and became a cherished part of the community. In her spare time, she poured her heart into caring for animals and helping them find loving homes. She also cherished the time she spent volunteering at the Legion and found joy in giving her time and care to others whenever she could. Nina’s creativity, warmth, and generous heart touched everyone she met.

We will miss her dearly, and her memory will always live in our hearts. May her journey remind us of the importance of reaching out and seeking help for those struggling with addiction.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

If you would like to write a small note or have a small trinket you would like to go with her, feel free to bring it with you to the luncheon after the service.