Joe's family with Grandpa Hilton

I loved this beautiful display of pictures from Grandma's life! Each photo displayed what a wonderful, vibrant life she lived--what a great legacy she has left with her posterity!

Our very own Hilton family baby boom!

One thought that seemed prevalent and sure the day of Grandma's funeral was that she has left an amazing legacy for us all. It was wonderful to then see all of these new babies! And there are at least a few more not in this picture that have also been born this year. Mindy missed the picture with her new baby Zachary and Kim's new baby boy Kenyon was not released from the hospital until the day after the funeral. Are there other new babies that have been born this year?

Poor little Elizabeth, Rebecca's baby, is quite alone as a girl among all these baby boys!

Post-service Luncheon

Carter and Shane as we head into the luncheon in the cultural hall.
I loved that the tables were decorated with some of Grandma's favorite things -- Boston Baked Beans and Red Vines. Also, on each of the tables was a card with a memory of Grandma. The card at our table said Grandma was remembered as a "true & faithful disciple" by a member of her study group.

Gathering Together Outside (after the service)

Mary's pictures

It had been almost 8 years since all of us siblings have been together.

It's too bad not everyone could be there.

I brought my old camera, and the pictures didn't turn out so well. After a few picture I gave up, so please share your pictures.

Allen's Talk for Mom's Funeral

(You will need to insert your own tears and blubbering.)

The last time that I saw Mom was in St. George two weeks ago with Dad. As they were leaving, Dad said, "We need to go this way." as he pointed the way. Mom said "I don't want o go that way." Dad leaned over and they shared a kiss and left arm in arm.

(As a side note: While Mom was in the office, she kept telling my receptionist that she wanted to go through "that gate at the end of the path" but pointed off in funny directions. Of course it made no sense at the time that she didn't want to go to the door Dad was going through. I believe that it was Mom seeing into the gate she needed to enter.)

I am sure Terry greeted Mom and gave her the biggest bear-hug welcome ever.

5-Minute talk:

Mom was a perfect nurturer. She lifted and blessed everyone she could. The way she differentiated in who received service was whether you would accept her ministrations or not. She didn't hold back, she didn't change the requirements, she just kept on giving. She just loved to serve. Mom found joy in service.

Randalin is a perfect example of how this worked. Randalin married Mom's oldest son, who she worried about. Right away Mom began to love and nurture Randalin. While living in their home for the first month of our marriage, I went to ask Mom to pack me a lunch. She told me that it wasn't her responsibility anymore, I would have to ask Randalin! I was embarrassed but much later learned how thankful Randalin had been to be allowed to function as my helpmeet. Mom continued in that first month, and thereafter, to teach Randalin why she, Mom, loved to serve.

Mom continued to nurture Randalin and her other daughters in both small and great ways. Mom was so service oriented and often said how wonderful it was to do the meal preparation to feed and physically nurture her family. She was happy to do the laundry because she was serving in a way to help her family be clean and smell good. She found joy in many acts of service whether cleaning, vacuuming or caring for a child.

Mom was a blessing in the lives of her grandchildren. While tending our Steven one time, he was having trouble settling down to sleep. Mom explained to him and gently kissed his eyelids so he would have sweet dreams. It became a part of his necessary nightime pre-sleep ritual. He always called her The Spoiler, because she was attentive to his needs and loved him so.

Each of the children loved to talk to Mom. She always had a kind and listening ear. No recrimination, no judgemental posture, no hidden agenda, no quessing, just love.

Mom was a tremendous example for good in the world. She taught us. Sharing, Knowledge, Truth, Love of God, country and fellow men.

Mom taught me to share: Always making extra to share with the neighbors. Bread, cookies, meals. In Lehi, Sister Crab was an old sister who lived across the street from the church. I remember being sent to take her a loaf of bread or a meal. Mom wanted me to learn to serve and it seems to have worked in the lives of all her children.

Mom loved: Dad, us, life, laughter, outdoors, country.... well did she love.

Mom gave me unconditional love: she didn't criticize but complimented me whenever she saw a way to do it.

Mom taught me to love reading: she read both spiritual books and novels out loud. She often read to us while we went to bed at night. We didn't fall asleep but were riveted. I remember the scripture stories from then as well as on trips. On one trip to the Grand Canyon, Mom read "Brighty of the Grand Canyon" to us. I remembered the story as I have since hiked the Bright Angel trail.

She loved the Gospel and did her best to live it. She loved to read the scriptures. She was not preachy but people sought her counsel through her example and soft loving manner.

May we all learn from her loving example to serve and love each other as purely as she did, I pray in the nme of Jesus Christ, Amen

Tribute to Grandma Hilton

From the moment I met Grandma and Grandpa Hilton in the Spring of 2001, I have been crazy about them. I still remember that first moment when Shane introduced me to them and the generous, genuine smiles on their kind faces put me at ease. They welcomed me into the family and loved me simply because Shane loved me and they loved him. I have so much appreciation and respect for them and have cherished the time we've spent in their presence. They are such a magnificent example of eternal companionship to us.
Last night, Grandma Hilton passed away. In many ways this is a huge blessing. Grandma, as her family knew her, had been distant for a while. Alzheimer's had taken away some of who she used to be in the last few years. But it had also intensified her sweetness and her smile I think. We are grateful that Grandma doesn't have to live in a failing mortal body any longer and we are grateful that Grandpa can know she is in a better place with those loved ones who have gone on before her. Grandpa has been such a devoted husband and has so intensely loved Grandma, standing by her side throughout their marriage. Grandma did so much good in her lifetime and I am glad I knew her and felt her tender spirit in my life over the last eight years. We love you and will miss you Grandma! Much love to Grandpa! We look forward to being with you soon to celebrate Grandma's life.
Pictures taken in Rocky Point, Mexico in December of 2007.
(Originally posted on our family blog, www.thearizonaexperiment.blogspot.com, on June 24, 2009 by Megan)

memories of grandma

I love so many things about grandma, she was always loving and gentle and happy. I'll always remember the smell of grandma's house, and how excited I was to see her. I have so many wonderful memories of her, here are some of them:

• her carmel popcorn - delicious
• giving me 'sweet dreams' kisses on my eyelids at bedtime
• yummy suckers - rootbeer, cinnamon, and butterscotch were my favorites
• sitting on the porch watching the hummingbirds together
• getting me all cozy and warm, with hot jello and blankets, after going sledding
• sitting by the fish pond as we played around it
• her loving smile and huge hug whenever I saw her
• breakfast at her house - we got to choose our own mini cereal boxes AND put sugar on our already sweetend cereal
• playing with the toys under the sewing machine, the snake was my favorite
• "I love you thi-i-i-i-i-i-s big"
• listening to stories she recorded on tape for us when I was little
• gently reminding me to be careful as I climbed all over the rocks outside
• sitting in her chair making afghans
• giving me treats from her candy dish on the mantel
• her unconditional love

She was such a loving sweet grandma - the best! I already miss her. I'll keep trying to grow up to be just like her.

Obituary

Ruth Patten Hilton

Sandy

February 18, 1929 - June 24, 2009

Ruth Patten Hilton, age 80, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2009, one week after celebrating her 62nd wedding anniversary with A. Eugene Hilton. She was born on February 18, 1929 in Provo Bench, Utah, the daughter of Floyd Talmage & Fanny Terry Patten.

She held prominent positions at Lincoln High School, graduating in 1947. Her entire life has been one of cheerful service to others, especially to family and church, having served 5 honorable missions with her husband in numerous countries around the globe. She leaves a legacy of love, knowing that families can be together forever. Her contagious smile through years of service is her trademark.

Ruth and Gene were blessed with seven children, Allen E. Hilton II, Jeanette H. Pratt, Kent R. Hilton, Susan H. Wood, Joseph T. Hilton, J. Terry Hilton (deceased), and Gary H. Hilton, 43 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren. Her brothers, Sterling Patten, Cree Patten, and sister Jane P. Nelson also survive her.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Granite View Stake Center, 9880 South 3100 East, Sandy, Utah. Family and friends may call Friday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Stake Center and Saturday one hour prior to the service. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. Online guest book at wingmortuary.com.

We note with gratitude the exceptional service of the Intermountain Home Care personnel and the Little Cottonwood Ward Relief Society and Priesthood.