Florence Marie Hilliker

Florence Marie Hilliker, age 89, of Afton, died on Tuesday March 18, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Born in Onaway on August 14, 1935, Florence was one of twelve children born to John and Noreen (LaFortune) Martin.
On June 19, 1954, at the Onaway Free Methodist Church, Florence married her soulmate, her best friend, and the man who would be her husband for the next sixty-six years, Orin "Pud" Hilliker. They made their home in Afton, except for a brief time in Grand Rapids, and were blessed with a daughter and two sons. A wife, mother, and homemaker, Florence was a stay-at-home mom until her kids were raised. She then took a job at Circuit Control in Harbor Springs where she worked for many years, eventually retiring from her position as supervisor.
Florence was known for her love of nature and the outdoors. She enjoyed walking in the woods with her little dog, Lucy, and loved camping with her family. Florence and Pud went on many camping trips throughout the upper peninsula and at local campgrounds with Tomahawk Lake being among her favorite places to set-up camp. There wasn't much that brought Florence as much joy as sharing a meal around a campfire with her kids and grandkids. She loved to feed the birds and watch deer and turkeys as they passed through her yard. One of Florence's favorite pastimes was people watching. She was content waiting for appointments when she could sit quietly observing and could sit on a bench at Walmart for hours watching folks come and go.
Going out for dinner on Sunday afternoon was one of Florence's longtime traditions which she was able to do until just a couple of weeks ago. Over the last few years Florence made a habit of visiting her son, Calvin, on Sunday afternoons. Florence, being Florence, of course tidied-up his place and afterwards they had their Sunday meal at the Onaway Senior Center. She enjoyed all those Sunday afternoons and had many friends at the center.
Florence always hosted Thanksgiving dinner. At 89 years old, she still insisted on having her ever-growing family for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including her most requested, amazing macaroni and cheese. Her home baked apple pies were delicious and a family favorite as well, especially for Calvin. Florence's home was always filled with warmth and kindness, and it was easy to see how dedicated she was to her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Hardworking, devoted to her family, and kindhearted, Florence was humble and content with life's simple pleasures. She is survived by her daughter, Becky (Tom) Peacock of Gaylord; sons, Calvin of Onaway and Brad (Sheryl) of Afton: grandchildren, Derek, Jamie, Lela, Big Meg, Kurt, Heather, Michelle, and Little Meg; and many great grandchildren. She also leaves her sisters, Lois Dell, Dorrie Martin, and Donna Kurburski, all of Petoskey; brothers, Jerry Martin of Alanson and Floyd Martin of Onaway; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband in 2020, and brothers, Carl, Jack, Jim, Kenny, and Ronnie Martin.
As were her wishes there will be no services for Florence. She will be honored by her family privately. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Florence to the Onaway Senior Center.