Evelyn Mae Hilton, age 88, of Hill City, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, with her family by her side.

Evelyn was born on January 12, 1938, in Aitkin County to Clyde and Viola (Terpanier) Stansberry. She grew up in Swatara and graduated as valedictorian from Hill City High School. Following high school, she attended college and earned her degree as a Medical Technician.

Evelyn later moved to the Twin Cities, where she lived and worked until meeting Harry Hilton. The two were married for 29 years and raised their children together in Swatara. In her fifties, Evelyn returned to school and graduated from Itasca Community College to become a paraprofessional. She worked many years at Hill City School as a para until her retirement. She had a special passion for helping children with reading and took great pride in encouraging and supporting their education. She also spent many years cooking at the Corner Club.

Evelyn later made her home in Hill City, where she remained close to the family, friends, and community she loved so dearly. Over the years, she was deeply involved in the planning and preparation of the Old Settlers Picnic and the Hunters Supper at the Swatara Community Hall.

Evelyn enjoyed writing, reading, bird watching, and gardening. She loved attending school activities and events for all of her children and was always their biggest supporter. She greeted everyone with a warm smile that made people feel instantly welcome. She was happiest when surrounded by her family. Evelyn will be remembered for her unwavering love, kindness, strength, and devotion to her family and community. The love she gave so freely will continue to live on through all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Viola; her sister, Adelyn Stansberry; her brother, Herb Stansberry; her former husband, Harry Hilton; her brother-in-law, Jack Hilton; and her sister-in-law, Doris Stansberry.

Evelyn is survived by her sister, Carolyn Hilton; her children, Alan (Robin) Hilton, Laura (James) Westerholm, Sally (Randy) Ihle, Clyde Hilton, and Ken (Jaime) Hilton; her grandchildren, Kathryn (Luke) Bounds, Katelyn Westerholm, Jennifer (Brian) Hudson, Jessica (Mason) Ihle, Jenna Ihle, Nathaniel Hilton, Brenden Humphrey, Morgan Humphrey, Kendel Humphrey, Felicia Maddox, and Chris (Christina) Maddox; her great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Myla Bounds, Maija and Mack Watkins, Robert (Joslyn) Vipperman, Jacob Vipperman, Tyler (Myra) Maddox, and Aiden Maddox; and her great-great-grandchild, Liam Vipperman. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A celebration of life will be held on June 20, 2026 at Swatara Community Hall.