"My Great grandma was the Greatest Woman in the world she love use so much and is watching down on all of us. I remember when she use watch my brother Nick my Brother Devin and my sister Eva and I sense we where little R.I.P> Love you Grandma"
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.
"My Great grandma was the Greatest Woman in the world she love use so much and is watching down on all of us. I remember when she use watch my brother Nick my Brother Devin and my sister Eva and I sense we where little R.I.P> Love you Grandma"
"I got to know Arlene when she came in to Casey's on one of her many "Grandma taxi" runs. She soon became one of my favorites. She was such a nice person..and what a sense of humor! She will be dearly missed by all that got the honor to know her. My thoughts and sincere sympathies to her family."
"To Arlene's family ~ she was one of my many favorites I loved to visit with. Mom will be missed by all who loved and knew her. She was a wonderful mom, grandma, great grandma, sister and friend. Know that mom will always be "Forever in Your Hearts". You have our heartfelt sympathy, friendship and love... Deb & Terry"
"My sincere sympathy to the family. Arlene was a loving, caring person, very dedicated and hard working. She.will be truly missed by her family and many friends, but she left us with wonderful memories. Her cooking and baking skills were great, and her homemade cinnamon rolls, donuts, and pies were tops! ."
"Arlene was such a warm, loving lady! I have such wonderful memories of her working at the Hillsdale Church food stand at the fair. She was always ready to lend a hand. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you."
"We have fond memories of warming ourselves over the heat register at Wayne and Arlene's home after sleigh riding. She would always fix hot chocolate, doughnuts and cinnamon rolls. We cherish the memories of her always being at the Hillsdale Church functions. She will be missed so much. Our deepest sympathy to the Hilton Family."