Richard J. Hilts

Richard John Hilts, 96, of Harrisville, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Jamieson Nursing Home. He was born September 5, 1926 to Carl F. and Myrna (Adams) Hilts in Lansing, MI. Early depression years were spent living on his grandparents farm. After several years he returned to Lansing and graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in 1944. He enlisted in the US Navy, and was discharged on July 4, 1946. After attending Michigan State University for four years on a short schedule, he graduated from Colorado Northern State University in 1956. He taught school in Las Vegas NV, until he retired in 1984. After retiring, he moved back to Michigan. In 1990, he moved into a new home in the Harrisville area. He joined the Westminster Presbyterian Church, and married Charlotte Emerick. She preceded him in death in 2015. Dick enjoyed watching the birds and tending to his garden. Dick is survived by his stepson Dave (Patti Morey) Gipson, granddaughters, Tara Byce and Nicole Gipson, his sister Penny, and his niece Melanie. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Harrisville. Cremation arrangements were made through Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard J. Hilts, please visit our flower store.