Theola Maxine Hilbert

Theola Maxine Hilbert, a lifetime resident of the Traverse City area, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, on her 95th Birthday. Born March 2, 1930, in Kingsley, Michigan, she was the daughter of Leroy and Alfreda (Bancroft) Delancey. Theola grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, and while working at an ice cream shop, met a young beekeeper- Arnold “Bud” Hilbert. They fell in love with passion for Bee Keeping, traveling, dancing and enjoying family. They married on April 7, 1950. This year would have been their 75th wedding anniversary. With a passion for their Bees, they built Hilbert’s Honey. Now in its 5th generation, the beekeeping passion continues. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Arnold Hugh Hilbert, brother Merel Delancey, sister Anita “Cookie” Fasel, and sister Wilma Melendy. Theola is survived by her two children, Sandra (Frank) Rushlow of Interlochen, Larry (Geana) Hilbert of Traverse City, grandchildren Amber (Josh) Parker, Darcie Michels, Ryan (Therese) Fortin, James (Marguerite) Hilbert, Keith (Michelle) Hilbert, Nathan (Autumn) Rushlow, Brian (Amanda) Hilbert, 25 great grandchildren, a dear brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Joann Delancey and many nieces and nephews. Theola had many passions and hobbies. She loved puzzles, painting, crocheting, ceramics, listening to and playing music, including weekly piano lessons up until her final weeks. She also enjoyed playing cards with her neighbors, friends, and family (and rarely lost). In her younger years, she was an avid bowler and roller skater- which took her and Bud all over the country for competitive dance skating. She loved travelling with Bud in the winter months to places like Florida, Alaska, Nova Scotia, and Texas. And in the summer months, had many fishing/camping adventures in Canada with friends and family. She was always willing to hop in a car with friends, children, and grandchildren for whatever adventures lay ahead and was even working on getting her passport to attend a great-grandchild’s wedding in Peru. At this time the family would like to give a special Thank You to Shirel Lozada. She came into our lives last spring as a care giver for Theola. In a brief time became her buddy and dedicated her time and energy to care for her through her final days. You are part of our family. Her life will be celebrated on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home located at 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Visitation will be at 2 p.m. followed by a Memorial at 3 p.m. A small gathering will be held at the Garfield Commons Clubhouse, 1230 Hemingway Lane, Traverse City, Michigan, following the memorial. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Heartland Hospice, 4000 Eastern Sky Dr. STE. 2, Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Theola’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Theola Maxine Hilbert

March 2, 1930 - March 2, 2025