Nellie B. Hilger, resident of the Bumble Bee Homes, passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, at the age of 85. She was born in Helena, March 5, 1917, to Charles and Verna McElhaney Barrett. Her mother died when she was 6 months old and she was raised by her grandmother, Lucy McElhaney.
They lived on her uncle's homestead near the Gates of the Mountains interchange. She attended the Beartooth School. In her grandmother's later years, Nellie took care of her and worked in Helena.
On Oct. 2, 1954, she married George Hilger. They lived and worked in the Helena area, Cut Bank and Townsend. In 1988, they moved to the Hilger Ranch where George was born and raised. They resided there until their health failed. George preceded Nellie in death on Jan. 28, 2002; they were married 47 years.
Nellie was a talented artist, but did not pursue that profession. Her paintings were truly fabulous.
Nellie is survived by her cousins, Dorothy McEnaney, LaVern Beck, Lucille McElhaney Howe, Rosella Hegre, Evelyn Meredith, Lois Poepping, Jim and Bob McElhaney. Also brother-in-law Charles Hilger, sisters-in-law Elizabeth Hilger, Hollie Alexander and Viola Nelson survive.
Visitation will begin this afternoon at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Retz Funeral Home Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Bumble Bee Homes or to an organization of the donor's choice.
