Hilda M. Hendrickson, 95, formerly of Columbia City, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, Sept. 24, 2017, surrounded by loved ones, at the home of her daughter, Vicki, where she resided since March 2009.

She was born Jan. 20, 1922, in Eel River Township, Allen County, a daughter of Ozie and Mabel (Goheen) Boggs. She attended grade school in Huntertown. As a young girl, her family moved to a farm near Etna where she attended Etna School and graduated from Columbia City High School.

On Aug. 25, 1945, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Charles E. Hendrickson. They fondly made their home in Columbia City until 1957 when they moved to their beautiful farm near Collins. In 1984, they moved to their home in Columbia City. Mr. Hendrickson passed away July 19, 2003.

To say Hilda had a green thumb was an understatement.  At each of the homes she lived in, she planted large beautiful flower gardens that were admired by everyone. She never hesitated sharing the seeds from the plants or even digging up part of the plants to share with others. Her love of gardening combined with her generous nature also carried over into the kitchen where she would spend countless hours each summer canning fruits and vegetables to share with her family and friends.

Never being one to sit still, she was always creating something.  Whether it was a beautiful quilt, delicious cookies, or unique greeting cards, her talents and love of her family were boundless.  She created so many wonderful memories that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will cherish forever.

Hilda was a very active member of Collins United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed bringing fresh cut flowers from her garden to place around the church each week.

Surviving relatives include two daughters, Vicki Jean Martin, Aurora, Ill., and Sandra Faye (Steve) Scholl, The Woodlands, Texas; four grandchildren, Susan (Jeffrey) Petschke, Jeffrey Martin, Brandon Scholl, and Mason (Aimee) Scholl; and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Doris Hontz; and brother, Robert Boggs.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Eel River Cemetery. The visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Collins United Methodist Church or Guiding Light Hospice.