Mary Louise Taylor Hilden

Mary Hilden Obituary

MARY LOUISE TAYLOR HILDEN AUG. 22, 1913 - NOV. 13, 2005 Born in Polson, Montana, on August 22, 1913, to Dr. Carl B. Taylor and Ivy Lee Davison Taylor, Mary Louise (Taylor) Hilden passed away November 13, 2005 in Modesto, California. Mary Lou married Marcus Ole Hilden on June 23, 1937, in Dillon, Montana. They had two daughters, Ruth Colene Bunny (Hilden) Gruhn and Marcia Elaine (Hilden) Anderson. Mrs. Hilden lived in Polson, Dillon, Glasgow, and Missoula, Montana; Hot Springs, South Dakota; Galveston, Texas; Youngstown and Stamford, New York; Seattle, Washington; Patterson, and lastly Modesto, California.

Mary Lou graduated from Beaverhead County High School, Dillon, Montana. She attended Western Montana College of Education at Dillon, Montana where she earned her Bachelor's in Education. She also attended one year at Illinois College, Jacksonville, Illinois; pursued graduate study at the University of Montana, Missoula, Montana; Stanislaus State College, Turlock, California; and the University of California, Davis, California. Mrs. Hilden worked as an educator for elementary schools in Montana, New York, and California; as a Reading Specialist in California; and as a Supervising Teacher in Montana, and New York.

She was a member of United Methodist, Centenary, in Modesto, California where she served on Administrative Council, Memorial Committee, Coordinator for Keystone Fellowship, and 3 Cent Fellowship Teacher for Sunday School class and tutored English for Cambodian Refugees. Additionally, Mary Lou held the following memberships: Life Member, Girl Scouts of U.S.A.; first President, Girl Scout Board, Hungry Horse, Montana; first President, Western Montana Girl Scout Council, Missoula, Montana; President, Girl Scout Muir Trail Council, Modesto, California; Delta Kappa Gamma; professional honorary Chapter HW; and P.E.O., Modesto, California. Some of her honors received include a Girl Scout rose planted in her name in the Rose Garden in Missoula, Montana; representing Muir Trail Council at the National Girl Scout Conference, Houston, Texas; being selected as Senior Intern to Representative Tony Coelho, spending a week in Washington, D.C. Mary Lou's hobbies included reading, classical music, choral and orchestral music, gourmet cooking, collecting cookbooks, enjoying her cats, and travel.

Ms. Hilden is survived by her sister, daughters, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, her great grandchildren and great step-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Marcus O. Hilden.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to: Girl Scouts Muir Trail Council, Forest Glen, Modesto, California 95355; Centenary United Methodist Church (Memorial Fund), Toyon Avenue, Modesto, California 95350; or Heifer Project International, http://www.heifer.org

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Published by Modesto Bee on Nov. 17, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Hilden

12 Entries

Kyle Anderson

December 17, 2005

Growing up, I always loved visiting my grandparents. It always felt like a home away from home. I am thankful that Jessica and I were able to visit Ganga this past August, and that Jessica had a chance to meet her. When I remember Ganga, it brings a smile to my face. She had such a wonderful spirit and was quite the jokester. I enjoyed talking with Ganga about the books we were reading, cooking, and got such a kick out the basketball fan in her. She will be missed, but her generosity and character have touched us all. I am thankful to have had such a wonderful grandmother and to have had a Ganga.

Kyle (grandson) and Jessica Anderson

Wayne Soll

December 15, 2005

"Pill" was my favorite aunt. When she sent me gifts they were always educational. The two I remember best was an "ant farm" so I could watch the ants build a home in the dirt. The second gift was a flying saucer looing incubator that would stay warm with a night light for the chicks.

She always took medication so I dubbed her "Pill" and it stuck!

Wayne (nephew)

Sandra & Lane Cowart

December 15, 2005

Mary Lou was named Pill by my brother, and that is what I've called her all my life. Pill had a great sense of humor and would send me silly newspaper clippings, and also wild earrings. She sent so many newspaper clippings to me and my mom (Mildrred/Moody) that when they would arrive we would always say heres more "Gonga Disease". One of my favorite memories of Pill dates back to 1974. I rode back to California from Hamilton with them during summer vacation. While staying with Pill, Marc would go out every morning and pick fresh peaches off the tree for breakfast. When it was time to leave I left by plane, to meet my family. Before we left the house Pill and I "decorated" a very large zuchinni to resemble a baby, complete with blanket. I carried this zuchinni on to the plane and took it home to my family. I am sure the people on the plane thought I was rather odd. I can't imagine trying to pass off a zuchinni as a baby when passing through airport security now days!

I will miss Pill, however I will hold on to the wonderful memories.

Sandy (Niece)

Marcia Hilden Anderson

December 12, 2005

Mother was an independent thinker who acted on her convictions. She not only cared deeply for the welfare of family, friends, and the world at large, but also made a difference. She never allowed age or circumstances to diminish her capacity to give.

With Daddy's support, Mother was a pioneer in women's liberation, just the way she dared to live her life. She was extraordinarily creative, resourceful, efficient, and enterprising. She was playful and loved nature. At times critical, she was generally encouraging and appreciative. She enjoyed a lifetime of reading and learning and, as a teacher, she made learning fun for her students.

Along with our father, Marcus, Mother provided for and protected my sister and me while at the same time teaching us to be independent and accountable; character training was foremost. I am indeed proud of my parents and grateful for both of them.

Melanie Newton

December 7, 2005

Mary Lou and I used to correspond in secret code when I was eight years old. She was my biggest cheerleader when

I was growing up, always encouraging me in everything I did. I will miss her.

Melanie (Gruhn) Newton (granddaughter)

Mildred (Moody) Soll

December 5, 2005

As a sister, we`ve spent a lifetime together. Pill, as we call her, was always an inspiration to me, someone to look up to, often for advice, so freely given and always worth considering. I shall miss her, but the time was right, and I am sure she is happy to be with the loves of her life, Marc, and Jesus.

Lovingly, Moody

Glen Anderson

December 3, 2005

Mary Lou was a valued friend and family member, and I miss her dearly. Marcia and I talked to her every week, and she always closed with the words, "I love you both." So those were the last words we heard her say. I know she did, and we love her too. The world and my life are better because of her. May God grant her the best on the other side.--Son-in-law (husband of Marcia)

Derek Streets-Anderson

December 3, 2005

It was wonderful to have spent a couple of days with Marc & Mary Lou in the late 90's. They were both so loving and supportive to their grand-children and I loved Mary Lou's laughter! She will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Merlyn and Jan Gruhn

December 3, 2005

When we think of Mary Lou, we are reminded of that biblical passage: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. Yea, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." Peace to her soul, and joy in her memory.

Meryn Gruhn Di Tullio

December 3, 2005

Ganga,

While I'm going to miss our wonderful talks and silliness, I'm glad you got to go on your own terms. I am so grateful for all I've learned from you about life, where we're from and where we're going. It took a long time for us to connect as we did, but I am so glad for being able to call you friend. I love you so much and hope you are having fun up in Heaven!

Meryn (grand-daughter)

Cheryl Dougherty

November 21, 2005

Mary Lou was a delightful and inspirational person to me. I will miss her. (step-granddaughter)

Melissa Fischer

November 18, 2005

Ganga and Gramp were truly an inspiration to many of the lives they touched. They will be missed, but never forgotten by the many lives they touched.

We love you!

~Melissa Fischer, granddaughter

~Charlee Fischer, great-granddaughter

~Aimée Fischer, great-granddaughter

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