Patricia M. "Pat" Hilty

A Funeral Service for Pat was held Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. Pastor Dustin Lappe presided over the Funeral Service. The recorded selections "Amazing Grace," "Jealous Of The Angels," "10000 Reasons," and "In The Garden" were played for the service. Pallbearers included Blake Nielsen, Zachary Nielsen, Tyler Nielsen, Tanner Bernard, Davis Harding, Conner Harley, A.J. Muthersbaugh, and Trent Jakob. A Graveside Service was held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Fairmont Public Cemetery, Fairmont, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the Aging Partners - Northeast Senior Center in Lincoln, Nebraska or the Fillmore County Museum in Fairmont, Nebraska. Patricia Marina Vandevoorde Hilty, 81, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Known lovingly as “Pat,” she was born on March 30, 1943, to Philip and Rose (Castiglia) Vandevoorde in Kearney, Nebraska. She grew up in Kearney, Nebraska, and graduated with the Kearney High School Class of 1961. After high school, Pat attended secretarial courses and began her career at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. It was at this time where she met her future husband, Larry Hilty Jr., over a bowl of chili and Fritos. Although initially opposed by Larry’s parents, their determination led them to cross state lines to marry in Michigan. From their union, four children were born: Lawrence Hilty III (“Little Larry”), Sabrina Nielsen, Sally Bernard, and Susan Harley. The family eventually settled in Fairmont, Nebraska, where Pat became an integral part of the community. She worked a variety of jobs, including as a waitress at Stockman’s, a bookkeeper at Geneva Implement, and as the owner and operator of Hilty’s Grocery Store in Fairmont and Geneva. Pat had a passion for genealogy, local history, and community service. She was instrumental in securing new band uniforms for Fairmont Public School and played a key role in the development of the Ashby Museum now Fillmore County Museum. This ‘Foxy Lady’ known by her CB radio handle “Sky Bird” Pat, was a resourceful and dedicated woman who believed no project was too big. In her spare time, Pat enjoyed hobbies like working on stained glass, attending car shows, and dancing. A woman of many talents, she even pursued belly dancing in her 40s. As a child, she loved roller skating, a joy that stayed with her throughout her life. Pat’s caring nature extended to her family, friends, and community. She was always there to lend a helping hand, whether it was supporting local causes or being there for those in need. Due to health challenges, Pat moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in 2011, where she cherished time with her friends at the Northeast Aging Partners Center and her church community. Pat was preceded in death by her son, Lawrence “Little Larry” Hilty III; her parents, Rose and Philip Vandevoorde; and her brother, Philip Vandevoorde Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Sabrina and Kevin Nielsen of Oxford, Nebraska, Sally and Tommy Bernard of Kearney, Nebraska, Susan and Jim Harley of Lincoln, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Reva Vandevoorde of Wahoo, Nebraska; and former husband, Larry Hilty, Jr. of Kearney, Nebraska. Pat was also the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren: Blake, Zach, Tyler, McKenzie, Tanner, Hannah, Hailey, Conner, Averie, Olivia, Addison, and Reagan. She also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren: Madelyn, Finnlea, Whitt, Nash, Maverick, Leland, Blair, Berkley, Jovie, Merritt, and Royce; nieces, nephews, and many friends. Pat will be remembered as a dynamic and generous woman whose love for her family and community touched the lives of many.

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Patricia M. "Pat" Hilty

March 30, 1943 - December 9, 2024