Hilda Vandegraft

Age 72 of Wilmington, Illinois died unexpectedly on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born April 17, 1950 in Savannah, Georgia, Hilda Ann was a daughter of Herbert Lloyd and Julia Ruth (Hammond) Turner. She was raised and educated in Savannah; graduated from Herschel V. Jenkins High School with the Class of 1967 and went on to earn her Associates in Nursing in 1969 from Armstrong State College School of Nursing. On August 2, 1970, Hilda married Robert Vandegraft in Savannah, and together they resided in Charleston, Illinois, Lockport, Illinois and in Resthaven, Illinois before settling to Wilmington, Illinois where they established in their current home.

Hilda’s career was in healthcare, and over the years she held employment with Charleston Hospital, Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet, Illinois and Royal Willow Nursing Home in Wilmington, Illinois. Most recently Hilda worked as an Agency Nurse, as well as in the Private Duty Sector before formally retiring. Hilda was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington, as well as the Wilmington Garden Club, which she was very active in over the years, serving as President. She enjoyed being part of many community activities which included the Garden Club, Christmas Home Tours and Pairs and Spares. Hilda was proud to have hosted Wilmington’s only Southern Cotillion in the families back yard, where everyone had a ball, and in her younger years she took pleasure in boating, water skiing, camping, and being active in her church and community. She was talented not only in the garden, but also in sewing and quilting. Hilda recently found herself entrenched watching Blue Bloods and Yellowstone, but her primary focus always remained centered on family and the time she was able to spend with her loved ones.

It was apparent that Hilda had an eye for beauty and loved all things flowers. She also had a passion for butterflies as they were a reminder of rebirth, no different than being saved when we are reborn through Christ. Hilda Ann Vandegraft may be gone from our sight, but she leaves a priceless collection of memories, and will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband of 52 years, James “Robert” Vandegraft; three children: Angela (Michael) McFarland of Gulf Shores, Alabama, Wade (Candice Thomas) Vandegraft of Fairbury, Illinois and Laura (Jason) Stava of Temecula, California; five grandchildren: Colton (Brooke) Wollenzien of Chebanse, Illinois, Nicholas Stava of Temecula, California, William McFarland of Gulf Shores, Thomas Vandegraft of Fairbury, and Victoria McFarland of Gulf Shores; two sisters: Cheryl (David) Smith of Richmond Hill, Georgia and Melanie Turner of Savannah, Georgia; one brother, Charles (Dana) Turner of Andersonville, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Richard Vandegraft of Gladstone, Oregon, and one sister-in-law, Dolores Vandegraft of Custer, Washington, numerous cousins, and several nieces and nephews, including Porter Turner of Andersonville, Tennessee.

Hilda was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Julia Ruth Turner, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Alice Harris; nephew, Robert Vandegraft; brother-in-law, Donald Vandegraft and sister-in-law, Mary Vandegraft.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 1:00 p.m. Pastor Harriette Cross from the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington will officiate, and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington.

Pallbearers will be: Colton Wollenzien, Nicholas Stava, William McFarland, Thomas Vandegraft, Jason Stava and Michael McFarland.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Hilda’s memory to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Hilda’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181