Arlene Hilton

Arlene Hilton, the oldest of five children of Edna Teresa (Solberg) and Hugh Nelson Fickel, was born on August 12, 1921 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She grew up in Malvern, Iowa, and as a young girl delivered newspapers to help out her family. Arlene graduated from the Malvern High School in 1939. She worked as a telephone operator in Malvern for many years.

Arlene and Wayne Eugene Hilton were married on April 2, 1941 in Omaha, Nebraska. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Kathleen Elaine, Wayne Eugene, Jr., Carolyn Sue and David Lynn. Most of their married life was in the Hillsdale area west of Malvern, Iowa. When they were first married they ran the Hillsdale filling station until Wayne was inducted into the Air Force. Following his return from the service, the couple started farming. Arlene and Wayne were married 36 years when Wayne passed away on March 20, 1976, after an extended illness. She continued to live on the family farm and oversee the farm work for many years.

Arlene was a member and long-time treasurer of the Hillsdale United Methodist Church. She was a loving wife, wonderful mother and devoted grandmother. She helped Wayne with a lot of the work on the farm, sometimes by walking beside the wagon in the snow shucking corn. Arlene enjoyed gardening and was considered a baker extraordinaire. She baked cinnamon rolls, pies, angel food cakes and donuts and made wonderful maid rites. As one of the originating members, Arlene dedicated 49 years to the Hillsdale food stand at the Mills Country Fair and also at the July 4th Celebrations at the Fairgrounds. She was active with 4-H while their children were involved. The family loved taking trips out west, camping and enjoying sightseeing. Family was a big part of her life and she loved spending time with her children and especially her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. She babysat for several of her grandkids and great grandkids, and with "grandma taxi service", she made sure they got to where they were going. Arlene attended their many school and church activities. Grandma's birthday pie or cake was a greatly anticipated tradition. She also baked and decorated several graduation and wedding cakes.

Arlene passed away on November 2, 2012 at Hospice with Heart in Glenwood, Iowa at the age of 91 years, 2 months, and 20 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband Wayne; grandson Clint Hilton; great grandson Derek Fundermann West; great nephews, Alan Lynn Shaw and Roger Lynn Shaw; brothers, Richard Fickel and Ronald Fickel; and brothers-in-law, Lee Stribling and Roger Shaw.

Arlene is survived by her children, Kathleen Hilton of Malvern, Gene Hilton and wife Deanna of Glenwood, Carolyn West and husband Robert of Malvern, and David Hilton and wife Debra of Glenwood; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Betty Stribling of Shenandoah and Rose Marie Shaw of Red Oak; nieces and nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.

Memorials suggested to the Hillsdale United Methodist Church.

Interment in the Malvern Cemetery.

Loess Hills Funeral and Cremation Center of Malvern in charge of arrangements.