Hilda Hilliard Crow
Hilda Hilliard Crow
Hilda was born on July 27, 1933 in Ebensee, Austria, the youngest child of Rudolph and Maria [Glas] Strauss. Hilda grew up during the 2nd World War. She spent many hours with her father, who taught her to fish, shoot a crossbow and ski. Hilda grew up to be an adventurous, optimistic and loving woman. Hilda met and married Gus Hilliard when he was stationed in Austria during the American Occupation and their oldest son, John, was born there. After making their way to the United States, they were blessed with two more children, Virgie and Tonni. Hilda became a member of Reedville Baptist Church and she dedicated her life to Christ. Gus became ill and disabled and passed away at a young age in 1973. After a period of time, Hilda met and married Don Crow, who had two children of his own, Janet and Chris. They became one family, blended together. Hilda and Don bought a farm outside of Bourbon and they worked hard at building and running a dairy farm for 15 years. They immensely enjoyed opening their home as a gathering place for family and friends. The life-long friendships that they made over the years meant the world to them. Hilda and Don traveled to Austria several times with their friends and they even hosted several of Hilda’s Austrian family members.
Hilda was known for her sewing and quilting, but it was her cooking that left a lasting impression on others. She showed her love to her family and friends through her cooking. Don became ill in 2004 and passed away right before Thanksgiving that year. Hilda continued to hold her family together and remained active until just a couple of years ago. Hilda leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, friendship, generosity, courage and faith. She will be missed by her family and friends but their memories will sustain them until they meet again in Heaven.
Hilda is survived by her five children, John Hilliard of Bourbon, MO, Virgie McGill (husband, John) of Bourbon, MO, Tonni Hilliard (wife, Kelley) of Bourbon, MO, Janet Palmer (husband, Kenny) of Sullivan, MO and Christopher Crow (wife, Tonya) of Greencastle, IN; one brother, Alfred Engl (wife, Hildegard) of Kostenberg, Austria; 13 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; other extended family members and friends.
Hilda was preceded in death by her first husband, Gus Hilliard; her second husband, Don Crow; her parents, Rudolph and Maria [Glas] Strauss; 3 brothers and 4 sisters.
Visitation was held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, March 23, 2018 at Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan & from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 24, 2018.
Funeral Services were conducted 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, with Pastor Scott Perry as the officiant. Cremation followed.
Memorial contributions may be given to Reedville Cemetery, Sullivan, MO.
Friends may send online condolences to the family of Hilda Hilliard Crow at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan & Bourbon, MO.