She was named in honor of J.D. Hollis, a fellow World War II service member, of her dad. Her grandpa, “Daddy Ben,” used to call her “Red” because of her auburn hair.

Hollis was a multi-generational Blanco resident who lived in the community her whole life. She is a descendant of William N. Trainer; he was one of the first three men to settle in the Blanco area in 1853. She graduated from Blanco High School in 1975 where she excelled academically, played sports, participated in the band, twirled and cheered on the sidelines, and was voted Best All Around her senior year.

Hollis began her professional journey at the Blanco County Tax Office in 1978, and she started working at the Blanco County Appraisal District when it was created in 1981. In 1983, she was promoted to Chief Appraiser and was elected as Tax-Assessor Collector in 1992. Hollis was instrumental in the establishment of centralizing tax collections for all entities into one location. She held both positions until she retired in 2016.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Hollis had many interests and talents. Hollis loved researching and sharing Blanco’s history, a trait she shared with her mother and brother Bill, and she was a devoted and active member of the Blanco Historic Preservation Commission. She was also a long-standing member of the Blanco County Child Protection & Family Advocacy Board. Hollis was a member of the Blanco Church of Christ and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her passion for genealogy was evident throughout her life. Hollis and Rory traveled often across the Northeast in search of ancestral documents and gravesites in their quest to find genealogical connections. Hollis enjoyed supporting her children and extended family at athletic events, spending time at family gatherings, and she found contentment relaxing at the beach and making sand castles with her grandchildren.

Hollis leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her son, Colt and Amy Petri, daughter Keisha Petri, stepson Michael and Tahra Boatright, and stepdaughter Megan Boatright Coats and Jonathan. Hollis is also survived by her supportive and caring brothers and sisters, Nealie Jane Burks, Annie Janice Granberg, Lew Massey West, Sheila Elizabeth Felps and Neil Craig West. Her family legacy also includes seven grandchildren who will treasure her memory: Addison Tober, Drake Boatright, Duke Boatright, Brooklyn Devere, Mack Coats, Rye Coats, and Annabelle Boatright. She will also be fondly remembered by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Hollis was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 31 years, Rory Alan Boatright, her parents, Weldon Elbert West and Lillian Bernice Smith West, grandparents Bennie and Nealie Townsend Smith, Ollie and Hattie Massey West, as well as her sisters Ann Nell and Sarah Beth, and brothers Bennie Edward, William Weldon (Bill), and Michael Flannery and stepson Matthew Boatright.

The impact Hollis made on the lives of those who knew her will never be forgotten. Her kindness, dedication to family and friends, and warm presence will remain. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at Crofts-Crow Funeral Home (911 Mesquite Street; Blanco, TX 78606). The memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 28, at the Blanco Church of Christ (102 Main Street; Blanco, TX 78606) followed by a graveside service at McKinney Cemetery (2211 McKinney Loop; Blanco, TX 78606).

A come-and-go celebration of life honoring Hollis will be held at Uptown Blanco (317 Main Street; Blanco, TX 78606) immediately following the graveside service (Noon 4 p.m..)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: The Blanco County Child Protection & Family Advocacy Board; PO Box 213; Johnson City, TX 78636