Leona Lois (Jacobson) Hileman, 94
Our beloved mother, Leona L. Hileman, joined our father, Harry Hileman, in heaven on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.
She was born May 29, 1928, in Leola, South Dakota, to Leslie and Ella Jacobson. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Circle, Montana, where they lived until Nov. 11, 1936, at which time they moved and settled in the Bissell community. It was there, where she learned her amazing work ethics, farming and ranching in the bitter cold or the extreme hot days, depending on the season.
Mom attended Bissell School grades one to eight. One of mom’s shared childhood memories was that she walked uphill to and from school (5 miles) in subzero weather. We are not sure how she managed to walk uphill both ways but it’s her story and she stuck to it. Ha Ha! She furthered her education at Whitefish High School for grades nine to 11 and then graduated from Flathead County High School with the Class of 1946.
On Aug. 2, 1949, she married Harry Hileman. Together, they had three children.
Mom was well known for her devotion to the Great Northern and Burlington Northern Railway. She began her career in the late 1940s with the railroad and retired in 1990. She was very proud to have worked for the railroad, as were they to have had such a devoted employee. In fact, when she retired, she was given the very first Burlington Northern employee jacket made. She wore it with great pride.
Mom always put her family first and foremost. Mom loved family outings and get-togethers, whether it be spending time at the cabin, fishing on the river, traveling, hiking, camping; it didn’t matter. All that mattered was being together and sharing time as a family. She truly loved being a wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma and great-great-grandma. She will be terribly missed by all.
Leona is survived by her three daughters, Kay Hileman, Debra Rauk and Vicki Hileman; brothers, Norman Jacobson of Missoula and Allen Jacobson of Columbia Falls; sister, Elaine Thacker, of Fairborn, Ohio; brother-in-law, Ronald Hulme, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Tracie (Darryle) Norton of Riverview, Florida, Randan Zinke of Vancouver, Washington, Erika (Jeff Cadry) Rauk of Big Sky, and Tanner Rauk of Missoula; great-grandchildren, Taryn Reid, Tevin Groshelle, Isaac and Isabelle Zinke, Stella, Auggie and John Rauk, and Forest Cadry; great-great-grandchildren, Sophia Reid and Miya Groshelle; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She is also survived by who she called “her adopted daughter,” Toni Stachon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry Hileman, and additional beloved family members.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to all of the nurses, CNAs, doctors and administrators for the wonderful care Mom received while at Prestige Assisted Living, Logan Health Care and Immanuel Lutheran Home; also, to the staff, especially Amy, at Loyal Care who cared for our Mom for the past 3-plus years.
A private family service will be held at a later date. A celebration of our Mom’s life will be held for all family and friends in the summer of 2023.
Leona’s family has been cared for by Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory.