Marilyn Hillestad

Marilyn June Hillestad of Viola died Sunday, September 25th at Palouse Hills Assisted Living in Moscow. She was 84.

She was born April 18, 1938 at Chadron, Nebraska to Wallace and Cleo (Cogeshall) Fritts. The family lived there until she was 11 years old when they moved to Viola. She attended Moscow Schools. She cared for 5 half-brothers Lorrie Gregg, Tom Gregg,Gene Gregg, Howard Gregg and Vernon Gregg as a teen due to her mom’s cancer.

On August 31,1959 she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Hillestad in Crawford, Nebraska. They moved to Princeton for a time and then to Viola where they have made their home since. She was a meticulous budget keeper. As a master gardener of a large area and orchards she was the hands and feet of the garden and berries. They celebrated 60 years of marriage prior to his death in February of 2020.

She enjoyed working puzzles, gardening, cooking, canning foods and had written in her diary since the 1960’s.

Surviving are her daughter, Tami (Jim) Jeffords of Clarkston, and a son, Tim of Viola.

She also leaves 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, September 30, 2022 at the Viola Cemetery. Family friend, Eddie Gray will officiate. A potluck will be held at the Viola Community Center following.