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- Katherine Emogene Hilton, 82, of Elizabethton, entered her eternal rest to join her husband Tom in heaven on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at Ivy Hall Nursing Home.
Gene was born and raised in Elizabethton, Tenn., on July 19, 1936, the daughter of Bonnie Kate Miller and Fredrick Payne Ritchie. She was known as mom, Nanny Gene and "Gerbie" (her nickname) from hubby Tom.
Prior to becoming an LPN in her early forties, Gene was a homemaker and an Avon Sales Lady when they still went door to door. She was a member of the PTA at Range Elementary and participated in organizing a union at Denise Lingerie, one of her first jobs outside of the home.
Gene was always a caregiver, having her parents in her home for many years. She assisted in the care and upbringing of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. For over 60 years her house was the gathering place for family and friends. The door was always open and there was always laughter to be had, usually supplied by her own Lucille Ball personality; the script was Gene just being who she was.
She was an avid decorator. She loved pretty things in her home and her wardrobe. She was a stylish dresser and always wore costume jewelry.
Gene was a lifelong member of Slagle's United Methodist Church where she had been a choir director, sang in the choir and was a member of the United Methodist Women.
She will be greatly missed by all who loved her so much, but we find comfort in knowing she will be with Tom in heaven. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by husband Tom Hilton, and brothers, Sam Ritchie, Fred Ritchie and George Ritchie.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-laws, Lynda Hilton, Elizabethton, Kathy Fair, Elizabethton, Hopie Hilton, Elizabethton, and boyfriend Bob Allen, Johnson City, Vanessa and Michael Wood, Churchill, Tenn., Tammy and Gary Turner, Pikeville, Tenn., and her companion dog, Nuggett; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister, Hettie Beasley and husband Don; sister-in-law, Jo Ritchie; close friend Betty Ralph and neighbor and friend Georgie Jaynes; and special cousin Patsy Trivette and husband Ronnie. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
The daughters wish to thank Ivy Hall for their tender care of our mother and Amedisys Hospice during her passing.
The sisters: Lynda, Kathy, Hopie and Vanessa give thanks to our sister Tammy Turner and our brother-in-law Gary who cared for our mother in Pikeville, Tenn., for over two years. Logging thousands of miles to bring her home for visits and making their home hers, a thank you also to all of her Pikeville family, friends and her caregivers.
Funeral services will be conducted at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Lu Crandell officiating. A eulogy will be given by her daughter, Vanessa Wood. Interment will follow in the Old Slagle Cemetery following the funeral service. Active pallbearers will be Jeremiah Quintero, Joey Mottern, Cody Fair, Christopher Turner, Brian Turner, Patrick Turner, Bradley Hatcher and Robert Pickens. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Allen, Michael Wood, Gary Turner, Billy Wade Blankenship and Leo Lothridge.
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1936 - 2019 (82 years)
