Velma Carlene Hilt

Velma Carlene Hilt

November 13, 1927 – January 4, 2024

God stepped in last week, and took our mother. He was very gentle about it, letting her rest until daybreak before giving her a little push. Her daughter was there, her caregiver always at her side, a final hand to hold with a warm comforting presence. With a final nudge later in the morning she was on her way. She was ready. She missed our Dad everyday, and we are sure she experiences joy this day that she has longed for over the last several years. Rest in peace Mom, we miss you here, but with glad hearts.

Velma Carlene Hilt (Piatt) was born in Marceline, Missouri to James Carl and Iva Velma Piatt (Armstrong). She had three siblings: Jim (Joyce), John (Jane) – preceded in death by both, Julene (Cotton – preceded in death). Carlene loved and was loved by several nieces and nephews. Some of her favorite memories were of growing up on their family’s farm and loved to share her experiences with family. Carlene worked as a secretary starting as early as high school for a local printer and often spoke of the Alexander Film Company in Colorado Springs as one of her favorite employers.

Carlene married Jim Hilt (1937 – 2020) on January 22, 1960, and together they enjoyed 59 years of love and family. Jim often referred to Carlene as his ‘Dolly.’ Always looking to make memories, Carlene and Jim planned family vacations for their children every year and there are thousands of slides demonstrating the importance placed on time well spent together. She was an avid reader, spending several hours a day reading when she wasn’t keeping up with family and friends on Facebook or watching Jeopardy. Carlene was also very talented at sewing and crocheting, making homemade dresses, blankets and kitchen towels throughout her life.

Carlene had five children whom she loved deeply: Bob (Virginia), Randy, Ellen (Mark), Jim (Julie), and Allison (Steve). She was the beloved grandmother of Ezra (preceded in death), Nathan (Bree), Mitch (Carley), Elise (Jeff), Cheyenne (Dan), Jimmy (Autumn), Sierra, and Brittany (Justin), Steven, Ray (Angela) and great-grandmother of Lucy, Laila, Daphne, Ella, R.J., Madison, Breydon, Taylor, Rialyn, Wesley, Landen, Levi, Liam, James, Leighton, Ellie, Luke and Cece. Carlene loved nothing better than watching her great-grandchildren playing and laughing.

Carlene will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A celebration of life is planned for spring/summer.