Carol M. Hilton

Carol M. Hilton, 85, of East Peoria, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born in Peoria on August 14, 1938, to Arthur and Fern (Maple) Haller. She married her husband of 55 years, Jesse J. Hilton, at LaMarsh Baptist Church in Mapleton, on September 6, 1958; he preceded her in death on January 29, 2014.
Surviving are three children, Vicki (David) McClintick of Peoria, Cathy Sue (John) Hilton Jeffries of East Peoria, and David Allen (Ying) Hilton of Washington; 6 grandchildren, Ryan and Kevin McClintick, Mike and Brian Giebelhausen and Tara Giebelhausen Michels, and Jessica Hilton; and 4 great grandchildren, Addison, Thomas, Caroline, and Elliette.
Carol graduated from Limestone High School in 1956. She was a four-time National Figure Skating Champion in 1948, 1953, 1955, and 1956 in Dance and Figures Freestyle. She also held 22 Illinois State and 8 Great Lakes Regional First Place titles and numerous 2nd and 3rd place medals. After graduating, she taught competitive skating in Youngstown, OH. She lived the majority of her married life in Creve Coeur.
She retired in June 2000 from Bel-Wood Nursing Home after 25 years of service, where she worked as a CNA for 20 years, then managed the Central Supply Department for the last five years. She and her husband, Jesse, owned and managed Hilton Apartments in Creve Coeur and Brimfield. After retiring, she and Jesse spent several winters in the Rio Grande Valley in Mission, TX.
Carol was a longtime member of Bay View Baptist Church.
Visitation will be from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria, with a Funeral Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Pastor Tom Pisano will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Mapleton.
Memorial contributions may be made to TAPS in Pekin. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.