Theresa Hilderbrand

Theresa Hilderbrand,85, of Halfway, Oregon died at her home on Friday, July 17, 2020.  A graveside service will be held Friday, July 24, 2020~11 a.m. at the Pine Haven Cemetery in Halfway, Oregon.  Due to Covid restrictions - Please bring your own chair and a mask and remember social distancing.

Theresa Viola Hilderbrand was born February 4, 1935 in Norman, AR to parents Daniel and Charlotta Hendrix.  She was 10 years old when her family rode the train to Oregon. The train was full of soldiers as it was the end of WWII in Europe. Theresa  said, “When we lived in Arkansas, we lived by a train track and the soldiers that were being shipped to the war would throw out letters from the train.   My brothers and sisters and I, would pick them up and give them to my mom who would mail them at the local Post Office.”

 When Theresa was in 11th grade her family moved to Prineville, Oregon to work.   Theresa met her future husband Jimmy Hilderbrand when he asked her to accompany him to the boat races.  They were married February 9, 1955 after he had returned from Korea.

Theresa worked at the local diner washing dishes. She spent most of her time as a hard working mother and wife, stacking hay with her husband and canning fruit that her family had gathered. Theresa’s favorite color was blue, she loved roses and enjoyed camping and cross-stitching. She especially loved caring for her little dogs and was proudest of her boys.

Theresa’s life philosophy was to work hard, do a great job and be good to people.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jimmie Hilderbrand; granddaughter Ashley; brothers Bill, Dan and sister Lennie.

She is survived by her sons Jimmie (Sheilah) Hilderbrand, Lee Hilderbrand, Johnny (Dondi) Hilderbrand; her sister Lennie's boys whom she raised as her own Tony of Ontario, Oregon and Monty and wife Sarah of Emmett, Idaho; brothers Charlie, John and Earl Hendrix ; sisters Carolyn, Martha, and Jancie, 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Theresa the family suggests Best Friends (animal rescue and care) Through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com