Mildred Bostian Hilton, 93, passed away peacefully in Arcadia, Florida on April 14, 2025. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Mildred is now healthy and whole in heaven celebrating with Jesus and reuniting with her loved ones, especially her husband of 52 years (Charles Hilton) who passed away in 2000; and her son, Johnny Hilton who passed away in 1991.

Mildred was born August 31, 1931 at home in "The Bend" in Drew County, Arkansas to Lillian Cotton Bostian and Bruce Bostian. They later moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas and she graduated from White Hall High School in 1948. She worked as a waitress in a coffee shop and that's where she started dating the love of her life, Charles. They married three months later on March 26, 1949 and had five children before moving to Arcadia in August 1959 when Charles was transferred from Central Transformer Corp in Arkansas to help build the transformer plant in Arcadia where he was later promoted to plant manager.

Life was certainly a flurry of activity in the Hilton household with the five children and their host of friends continually running in and out. Mildred was constantly cooking, washing ball uniforms, attending school and church events, working the Little League concession stand, helping build homecoming floats in the backyard, and a myriad of other activities. She was always busy and fully involved in the kids' lives. She was a stay-at-home mom and housewife until the children were well into elementary and high school. She then started working as a substitute rural route carrier for the post office, and eventually became full time there. She retired in 1990 to care for Charles, whose health was declining. For the next 10 years her life was devoted to caring for him and meeting his every need.

Mildred and Charles had several "side businesses" along the way to help make ends meet. They owned the Arcadia Car Wash and were the only people in town who looked forward to "love bug season". They also rented TVs on a roll around cart to patients at the hospital for 50 cents per day back in the '60s and '70s. After the children were raised, one of her biggest passions was buying old houses and fixing them up for rental property. It was a challenge to her to see how much of the work she could do herself. She had a phenomenal drive and work ethic, and expected those around her to live up to that same standard. She was fiercely independent, even stubborn at times, to the very end. There was never a doubt who was "in charge", as she ruled with a firm but loving hand. She was also a giving person and had a tender compassionate heart, as evidenced by the many "behind the scene" acts of kindness she often did for others in secret.

Nothing made Mildred happier than time with family and friends. Her smile would light up the room when someone called or came to visit. Mildred was one of the oldest and longest tenured members of First Baptist Church, Arcadia. She and the family joined there in December, 1959, and she served faithfully throughout her adult life. She missed not being able to go to church and visit with friends and her Sunday School class since Covid. She did, however, continue to "worship from her chair" as she watched Dr. Jeffress and Dr. David Jeremiah on TV every Sunday morning as long as her health allowed. Her faith in the Lord was strong and never wavered through thick or thin.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles C. Hilton; son, Johnny Hilton; grandson, Chris Finkle; parents, Lillian Thomason, JT Thomason, and Bruce Bostian; brothers, Sidney Bostian and Ray Thomason; and sisters, Carolyn Thomason and Sue Kircus.

She is survived by her children, Charlene Latimer (George), Larry Hilton (Lois), Sidney Hilton (Mary Ann), Rickey Hilton (Jane) and daughter-in-law, Suzi Hilton (widow of Johnny); 10 grandchildren; Jeff Latimer (Sarah), Jeremy Latimer (Amy), Ashley Hilton Ford (Shelby), Kiki Hilton, Sara Hilton Allen (Aaron), Jake Hilton, Kasey Hilton Schuler (Craig), Clay Cobb (Crystal), Shanna Cobb Sherman (Travis), and Kristie Finkle (widow of Chris Finkle); 22 great-grandchildren; and brother, Charles Thomason (Judy).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Ponger Kays Grady Funeral Home, Arcadia Florida. Family visitation will be 10:00 – 11:00, and the service will follow immediately. Interment will be at Joshua Creek Cemetery, Arcadia, FL. Those who will be unable to attend but want to watch the service can click on the link (or type in a browser) bit.ly/mildredhilton2025 to see the livestream.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com .

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.