Judith Ann Hilst

Judith Ann (Konneker) Hilst, 82, of Normal passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at her residence at the Meadows at Mercy Creek.  Maas-Hurley Funeral Home in Manito is in charge of arrangements. 
Her funeral was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 28 at the Community United Methodist Church in Manito.  Rev. Daniel Jassman officiated. Visitation was held at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial followed in Meadow Lawn Cemetery.  If you will be attending the funeral, you can help honor Judith’s memory by wearing purple, her favorite color. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Illinois 4-H House Association, Mason Hospital Auxiliary, or Manito Historical Society.  To leave an online condolence go to www.hurleyfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Illinois 4-H House Association, Mason Hospital Auxiliary, or Manito Historical Society. 
Judith was born on January 22, 1934, to Stanley O. and Julia A. (Barrick) Konneker in Carlinville, Illinois.
On June 29, 1958, Judith married Darrel W. Hilst in Carlinville, who preceded her in death on July 29, 2005. Her
parents and one brother, Stanley Barrick Konneker, also preceded her in death.
Judith and Darrel had 3 children: Stanley W. (Pilar) Hilst of Clive, Iowa; Doretta C. (Richard) Irwin of Bloomington; and Yvonne M. Hilst of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  Judith loved and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren: Vanessa and Enrique Hilst and Mary Judith, Julia, and Michele Irwin. Judith is also survived by four siblings– Carolyn (James) Hallbauer, Carlinville; Martha Jean McCormack, O’Fallon, MO; Gregory Konneker, Winchester, England;  and Douglas Konneker, Stanton, CA.  Judith was also blessed with 16 nieces and nephews. 
Judith lived in Carlinville until she left for college at the University of Illinois, Urbana.  She was proud to have been schooled in a one room school house and loved to share stories about those days.  Most of her time in Carlinville was spent on a dairy farm where she learned the importance of hard work.  She was active in 4-H, Girl Scouts, lifeguarding, and many other extra-curricular activities at their church and school.  Judith had been a high school business education (shorthand and typing) teacher and librarian. After her first year of teaching at Forman High School in Manito, Judith went to Ireland with the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE). After returning to the U.S., she taught briefly at Leyden High School before returning to Forman.  Her career in public education was also in the Balyki and Easton school districts.
 Later Judith taught adult education (GED and ABE). Judith performed in a number of community theater plays, enjoyed genealogy, was an accomplished cook, excellent seamstress, loved growing roses, and reading. She and Darrel were hosts to many international visitors, including their future daughter-in-law. Judith was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church. She was also active as “the sheriff” of the Bloomington, IL Golden K Kiwanis Club. Judith took pride in always being able to touch her toes with little effort.
The family encourages you to share your pictures and memories of Judith with the family:  doretta88rich@gmail.com.