Myrtle Ruth Hilton

Myrtle Ruth Hilton - June 30, 1945 – November 9, 2025
Myrtle Ruth Hilton, 80, proudly walked into the arms of Jesus on Sunday (November 9, 2025). A devoted Christian, loving homemaker, and the best Mom and Nan-Nan anyone could ask for, Mom lived her life with grace, faith, and endless love.
Mom's greatest gift was her ability to listen without judgment. She was always there with a comforting word, reminding us that no matter what trials we faced, everything would be okay. She cherished every family gathering-especially when surrounded by her loved ones showering her with attention, laughter, and affection (even when we were our loud and boisterous selves).
Mom loved deeply and never wavered in showing that love to others. She was famous for her deviled eggs, her love of the color red, and her fondness for fried chicken-especially KFC. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in knowing that she is now fully healed, walking in Heaven without fear of falling or pain.
We rejoice in the heavenly reunion that took place when she left her earthly body greeting her beloved parents, John and Hazel Lawson; her brother, Bruce Lawson; and her sisters, Jenny Ball and Lucille Woliver.
Carrying forward her legacy of love are the father of her children, Frank Hilton of Pennington Gap, VA; and her four children:
• Sharon Penley and husband Randy of Jonesville, VA
• Darlene Gibson and husband Tom of Stickleyville, VA
• Terry Hilton and wife Jennifer of Woodway, VA
• Melissa Stapleton and partner Steve of Jonesville, VA
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren:
Kelli Gibson of Pennington Gap, VA; Katy Mullins and husband Phillip Michael of Woodway, VA; Makaila Penley of Elizabethton, TN; James Stapleton and partner, Samantha of Jonesville, VA and Austin Stapleton of Jonesville VA, Gabby Hilton of Jonesville, VA; Cede Surgener and husband Ethan of Pennington Gap, VA; and Kaleb Hilton of Jonesville, VA.
Her precious great-grandchildren include Rylee, Graci, and Kaylie Flanary of Pennington Gap, VA; Skylnn Stapleton of Sebastian, FL; Ryker Stapleton of Jonesville, VA; and Jase and Aayden Mullins of Woodway, VA and Dominic and Adeline Hilton of Jonesville, VA.
She is also survived by her loving siblings: Alice Bohall of Fortville, IN; Joy Iser and Dorothy Faye Belcher of Woodway, VA; and Cecil Lawson of Stickleyville, VA.
Mom's life was defined by her faith, her kindness, and the unconditional love she poured into everyone she met. Her legacy will live on through her family, her friends, and the countless lives she touched. Until we meet again, we celebrate her beautiful life and the joy she brought to us all.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to her devoted caregiver, Nancy Calton, as well as to her newfound friends at MEOC PACE and the compassionate staff of Lee Nursing and Rehab for their kindness, care, and support.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Pennington Gap Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor John Raeside officiating.
A committal service will follow at Powell Valley Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Myrtle Ruth Hilton and her family are in the care of Pennington Gap Funeral Home.