Thelma H. Hildebrand

Thelma H. Hildebrand, 92, passed away peacefully in her home January 3, 2025. Born in Dunnville, KY to Perlena, nee Foley and Kelbert Rexroat. She was married for 65 years to the love of her life, Arthur, until he passed away in 2017.

Thelma loved baking, flowers (gardenias were her favorite), doing crosswords, Sudoku, cryptoquotes, and doting on her dog, Carly. She loved to sing, alone, in church choir, or in a quartet with her sisters and mother. An avid Cubs fan, she was always ready to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at a moment’s notice. Thelma also loved bowling, square dancing, and traveling with Arthur. They traveled to Las Vegas several times a year, and enjoyed cruises to Hawaii and French Polynesia, among others.

Thelma is survived by her children, Steven Hildebrand and Stacy Metras; numerous special nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend, Janet “Corky” Westerlind.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Hildebrand; her son, Scott Hildebrand; her parents, Perlena and Kelbert Rexroat; her siblings: Orville Rexroat, Donna Smith, and Betty Lundin; her son-in-law, Gerald Metras; her sister-in-law, Alice Rexroat; her brothers-in-law, Gerald Smith and David Lundin; her kitties: Purr, Muffin, Patches, and Buttons; and her last beloved furbaby, Carly.

A special thanks to her niece, Debbi Corirossi, for her love and support through the years.

Thank you to Northern Illinois Hospice for their brief, but much needed assistance.

At Thelma’s request, no services will be held. Cremation rites accorded, assisted by Neptune Society.

Memorials may be made to the family at Thelma’s home.