Bernice Pauline Hilty, 96, of Colfax passed away on March 12, 2014 at Nelson's Corner Adult Family Home in Colfax.

Bernice was born to Stella Crow Ingram and Emery Ingram in Thornton, Washington on January 21, 1918.  Bernice was stricken with polio as an infant which left her with mild paralysis of her right arm and leg.  Bernice's tenacious spirit helped her to overcome the effects of polio and energetically take on life's challenges without complaint.

Bernice lived in Thornton until her seventh grade year when she moved to Steptoe, Washington.  After graduating from Steptoe High School, Bernice moved to Colfax where she worked at Endsley's Floral and Soda Shop.   There she met Vernon Hilty and within two years they were married on January 23, 1938.  Bernice and Vern celebrated life together for 64 years.  They had three children, Gloria Jean (who died at birth), Caroline Kay, and Ron Vernon.

Bernice was an active member of First Baptist Church of Colfax.  She was the Sunday school superintendent and church treasurer for many years.   Bernice was known for her tireless work ethic and frugality.  She worked at the local A&W for over twenty years while her husband Vern owned and ran Vern's Richfield, Arco and Exxon stations at the south end of Colfax.   At the end of a long work day, Bernice would come home and meticulously keep books for her husband's business.

The Hiltys often took Sunday drives in their immaculately cared for 1961 Chevy Impala.  Bernice's grandchildren affectionately remember her as the master navigator on these outings.  Whenever Bernice and Vern would take leave of a loved one's home, they would honk their horn repeatedly, no matter the time, day or night (our apologies to the neighbors).

Bernice's love language was food.  She loved to cook and one of her greatest joys was sharing fresh baked goods with her neighbors and serving plates heaped high with delicious goodies to all who came to her home.  Bernice had many other talents—sewing, decorating for bridal showers and weddings at her church, painting Vern's woodshop creations, and growing beautiful flowers.

Vern had a tradition of calling friends and acquaintances on their birthday or anniversary to congratulate them and everyone got a call on Christmas Day wishing them a Merry Christmas.  After he passed, Bernice continued those calls as long as she was able.

Bernice is survived by her daughter Caroline (Bob) Germain and son Ron (Barb) Hilty.  Six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and seventeen nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Emery and Stella Ingram, four siblings—Frank Ingram, Jessie Dodgen, Geneva Bircher, and Velma Blackhurst; husband Vernon Elias Hilty, and daughter Gloria Jean Hilty.

Viewing will be at Bruning Funeral Home on Friday March 28, 2014 from 9am-4pm and one hour prior to funeral services.  Funeral services will be held on Monday March 31, 2014 at 10:30am at the First Baptist Church in Colfax.  Vault interment will follow at the Colfax Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Bernice's honor are suggested to Gideon's International or the Colfax EMTs.