Wilma Lou (Mills) Hilts, Hansen, 92, of Missouri Valley, Iowa, passed away Sunday January 9th, 2022, at Azria Health Longview Nursing Home. Lou was born January 23rd, 1929, in Akron, Iowa to Chester and Olive (Vermillion) Mills. She was the second of five children, with 2 brother and 2 sisters. She was a huge asset to her father on the farm, outworking even her brothers. She attended and graduated from Jefferson Highschool in South Dakota in 1947 where she was secretary of the Student Council. She participated in the first year of women’s basketball at the school and was captain of her team.
She was married to Harry Hilts in Akron, Iowa that same year, 1947. Together they had six children whom they raised in Scranton, Iowa, followed by eleven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Lou then moved to Missouri Valley in 1970 and had her youngest son, Chris, who adds 3 grandchildren and a few more great-grandchildren. She married George Hansen on May 2, 1984, blending their families giving her four more children, along with more grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lou was a Dietary Manager at Community Memorial Hospital for 35 years. Lou and George enjoyed going to the Eagles Club and dancing to old country music. She enjoyed being largely involved in the kitchen and many other areas of the Eagles Club. Lou also never thought twice about being a helping hand to those around her including her being 80 and taking care of 90-year-olds. She also loved watching her children and grandchildren grow and accomplish many of life’s milestones. She walked through life with a smile on her face and optimist about the future.
Lou was proceeded in death by her parents and husband George. Her children Ken, Don, and Sue.
She is survived by 4 children: Tom (Connie), Cathy, Bruce, and Chris (Tina) along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Along with her brothers Don and Milo and her sister Ann.
Visitation will be Friday, January 14, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri valley, Iowa, burial at a later date. Arrangements by Hennessey Funeral Home.
A reception will follow at 7 PM at the Fraternal Order of Eagle’s Club in Missouri Valley.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Cancer Association or Alzheimer’s Association in Lou’s name.
7 Comments
A remarkable lady, a life well lived. Our condolences to the family she left behind in beginning her new journey among the stars above.
My momand I are so sorry for your loss. Lou was such a great lady. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Lou was a neat lady and a good friend, She will be greatly missed. My condolences to Sue, her brothers and families.
Lou surely changed Dad’s life when they married. She was lively and funny and never stopped working. We owe her a huge debt of gratitude for taking such good care of him as he aged. Our sincerest condolences to the whole family.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. George and Lou were wonderful neighbors on 3rd Street. We’ll always remember her beautiful smile!
Our sympathies to your family, we have made a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in Lou’s memory. From your friends at Cargill Des Moines
Lou was such a fun, spirited hard working family and will be missed by all that knew her! Our deepest sympathy to all of you! Greg & Gus Hancock
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