Grace M. Hiltabrand was born on November 11, 1928, in Helena, Montana to Arthur G. and Florence M. (Wickersheim) Nelson. Grace was a lifelong resident of Helena. She attended grade schools in Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1947. Grace received her degree in Electrical Engineering in 1979 and was very proud to receive this degree. She was dedicated into the Salvation Army Church February 1929 and was baptized into the First Baptist Church in 1944 and is a life member. Grace joined the United Methodist Church in 2008.
She was employed during her high school years at the Parrot Confectionery, Cooper Ice Cream Shoppe and Mountain States Telegraph and Telephone Company as a telephone operator beginning in her sophomore year. After graduation from high school, she became a full-time employee in the Engineering Department as a blue print operator and in later years moved into the drafting area. Grace was an engineering instructor for Outside Plant Engineering and was the first woman promoted as a Unit Superior in Outside Plant Engineering for Montana – a position she held until promoted to Facilities Manager Network. She retired in March 1983 with 36 years of service as an Assistant Manager – Network Distribution.
Grace married Richard G. Wood and of this union three children were born. Richard and Grace later divorced. She married George F. Hiltabrand on November 11, 1967 in Helena at the United Methodist Church.
Grace was initiated into Miriam Chapter No. 1, Order of the Eastern Star on May 28, 1968 and served in many stations before being elected as Worthy Matron in 1977. She was appointed Grand Representative in 2006-2008 and was appointed Grand Warder in 2014. Grace was Mother Advisor of Helena Assembly No. 7, Order of Rainbow for Girls for 9 years and was awarded the Grand Cross of Colors. She joined Sapphira Temple No. 79, Daughters of the Nile in February 1968 serving in many stations, was instructor for several years and elected Queen in 1991. She served as Supreme Lady of the Gates in 1996. She was also a member of the Sapphira Temple Oriental Band and the Sapphira Whispering Veils Units. Grace joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary No. 16 in 1978. She was the leader of the Girl Scouts of America and in 1949 formed a Girl Scout Troup and remained their leader for 18 years. She was a member of the International Bossons Collector Society and served on their Board of Directors for three years.
She is survived by her son Donald W. Wood, Helena; two step-sons Scot C. Hiltabrand, California, and Herbert F. (JoLane) Hiltabrand, Minnesota; her sister Suzanne Bidmead, Helena, and sister-in-law Frances Nelson, Havre. Grace was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, two brothers George (an infant) and Arthur Nelson, daughter Yvonne N. Hiltabrand, son Richard L. Wood, daughter-in-law Debra Wood, granddaughter Lisa Knowles, great-granddaughter Shealynn Wood, sister Pearl Spurzem, brothers-in-law Richard Bidmead, and Richard Spurzem, sister-in-law Auriel Hiltabrand and aunts Alma French, Dorothy Bedwell and Bessie Perhay.
The family wishes to thank St. Peter’s Hospice for their support of her end-of-life care; and a very special thank you to her niece Lisa White for her love and gentleness for the home-health care in Grace’s final days.
Memorials may be made in Grace’s memory to the Daughters of the Nile Foundation, 6705 Mesa Dr., Austin TX 78731-2817 – to care for children at the Shriners Hospitals, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 9, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday October 10, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following service
Thursday October 10, 2024
Social Center of the Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Approximately 1:15 p.m.
Thursday October 10, 2024
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 9, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday October 10, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following service
Thursday October 10, 2024
Social Center of the Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Approximately 1:15 p.m.
Thursday October 10, 2024
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Linda Kindrick says
I was in Rainbow girls during Mrs. Hiltabrand’s time as Mother Advisor. Reading this obituary, she was quite the lady – a real trail blazer. I remember her as a kind and gracious woman.
God bless Mrs. Hiltabrand and all her family.
Evy Sass says
My condolences to Grace’s loved ones, I met Grace when I was a new member of Sapphira Temple No, 79 Daughters of the Nile, Helena MT. Grace was truly a lovely, & outgoing, Lady, including me & informing me of many things about this wonderful organization. Her kindness & outgoing personality is a wonderful tribute to her very Special Memory. Rest In Peace Dear Grace. Evy Sass
Julia Demaree says
Grace was an amazing woman and a great friend. Her spirit and sense of humor and joy will be so missed. We love you Gracie.
Stephen Nelson says
Aunt Grace was always giving and kind. I will never forget one entire summer when I was a teen, she and Uncle George had me stay with them at their home. Over those months I learned how to drive a tractor and put in endless fencing while they developed their ranch property in the Helena Valley. It was a very memorable summer and even while working hard, Grace made sure we had plenty of great meals and fun times. Aunt Grace you are certainly a Proverbs 31 woman, and we love you and will miss you more than words can say.
Mitch says
I’m tearful for your loss , I recognized the last name from a gal that was in MT ARMY NATIONAL GUARD in the 90’s and thought might be her daughter !
In either regard I want to send my deepest condolences and offer prayers of comfort for family & friends knowing she is in the loving arms of Our Savior Christ Jesus, amen