Katherine "Kay" Hilton

MADISON -- Katherine "Kay" Hilton, 84, passed away Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, at Maplecrest Rehabilitation & Living Center in Madison where she had resided nearly two years.

Kay was born May 23, 1925, in Madison, to Roy E. and Adeline "Ladd" Billing. She graduated from Madison High School with the class of 1943. Kay married Mahlon A. Hilton in November of 1945. They lived in Portland for many years where Kay worked for the Union Mutual Life Insurance Co. In 1969 they moved to the Hilton Homestead in Anson.

Kay was a member and a four-year past worthy matron of Chapter 74 Order of Eastern Star in Madison; she also served as secretary for five years. She was a 60-year member of the Madison Grange.

Kay established a very successful catering business out of the Hilton Homestead, serving delicious meals to many groups and organizations and for many special occasions.

She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Mahlon A. Hilton; a sister, Beatrice Thebarge of Portland; and a brother, Arnold Billing of Dixmont.

Kay is survived by two sisters, Helen Stoodley Adams and her husband, Bill, of Pine Island, Fla., and Lois Thebarge and her husband, Ernest, of Cross Lake; a brother, Kenneth D. Billing and his wife, Linda, of Madison; a cousin, Avis Labbe and her husband, Louie, of Topsham; an aunt, Clara of Florida; and other niece, nephews and cousins. Even though Kay had no children of her own, she mentored and loved many as they did her.

Visiting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Giberson Funeral Home, 40 Maple St. in Madison, where a funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, with Pastor Dan Curtis officiating. Interment will follow at the Athearn Cemetery in Anson. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the Madison Grange.