Published on November 11, 2025 3:35 pm
Last Updated on November 11, 2025 3:35 pm
Floretta Frances “Fran” Hilderbrand, age 90, of Louisville, Illinois passed away peacefully at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Axiom Healthcare in Flora, Illinois.
Floretta was born on October 2, 1935, in Clay County, Illinois the daughter of Verdie and Bessie Angnes (Strange) Vail. She married Gerald Albert “Jerry” Hilderbrand on December 17, 1953, in Flora, Illinois and they shared 60 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on June 11, 2014.
Floretta’s career was diverse, showcasing her resilience and adaptability. She started her journey in the workforce at the Shoe Factory in Flora and later worked for Spartans in Flora. Throughout her life, she dedicated her skills to various restaurants, and she notably spent many years proudly serving at McDonald’s in Flora, where her warm presence touched the lives of countless patrons and coworkers alike.
A woman of deep community ties, Floretta was actively involved in the Flora Moose Lodge #1384. She embraced her faith and values, having formerly attended the Tower Hill Church in Flora. During her time at Heritage Woods, she found solace in attending their Sunday morning services, further enriching her spiritual life and connecting with others in her community.
Floretta’s interests were as vibrant as her personality. She had a love for the thrill of flea markets, where she enjoyed the hunt for treasures. Her passion for games was evident in her eager participation in Bingo, where she delighted in the joy of achieving a “Black Out” on her card. In her later years at Heritage Woods, she took up playing dominoes, a testament to her playful spirit and desire to engage with others. Floretta also cherished the time she spent with her late husband, Jerry, reveling in nature’s beauty while camping and fishing.
Floretta is survived by her children: Debbie (Matt) Goodman of Louisville, Darel (Misty) Hilderbrand of Flora, Kenny (Barb) Hilderbrand of Louisville, Wayne (Tammy) Hilderbrand of Wrights, Illinois, Phil (Wanda) Hilderbrand of Louisville; 15 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; she is also survived by a sister: Rajean (Hunter) Connell of Flora; sister-in-law: Ruth Hilderbrand of Sailor Springs.
In addition to her husband, Floretta was preceded in death by her parents; a son: Frankie Lynn Hilderbrand; siblings: Freda (Merle) Wheeler, Verna (Frank) Williams, Doris (Ted) Hildebrand, Mary (Turk) Lagel, Wanda (Jim) Brinkley, Wiley (Jenny) Vail, Ed (Phylis) Vail, Pearl (Kimmie) Wheeler; siblings-in-law: Betty (Richard) Eastin, Ronnie Hilderbrand, Tom Hilderbrand. She was also preceded in death by her beloved fur baby: Pretty Girl.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff of Heritage Woods in Flora for taking such good care of their mother in these last few years.
Funeral services to celebrate Floretta’s life will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, November 14, 2025, at the McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville with Gene Birch officiating. Burial will follow at the Clay City Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday at the funeral home from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Floretta’s memory to the Clay County Animal Shelter.
The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Floretta, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.