Iola Hilton

Iola was born October 25, 1934, at her grandparent’s farmhouse near Alexander, IA to Henry and Esther Fekkers. She graduated salutatorian from Alexander High School in 1952 with a class of 12. Shortly after graduation, she met the love of her life while working at the Belmond Co-Op. After 3 months of dating, Leo and Iola married. Many said it would never last, but they remained loving husband and wife until Leo’s passing in 1990.

Leo and Iola raised two children, Jim and Sally, in their Altoona house on 4th St SE. Iola lived in the home for 53 years until her passing. She retired from Southeast Polk Schools after 26 years of service as a bus driver and lunch caterer. After retirement, she volunteered at Willowbrook Elementary school in Altoona.
She will be remembered for her famous peanut brittle.

Iola is survived by her children, Jim (Cindy) Hilton of Mount Pleasant and Sally (Blaine) Thomson of Ankeny; sister, Jannis (Bill) Liekweg of Spencer; 4 grandchildren, Emily (Carlos) Cortez, Sarah (Zach) Davis, Jimmy (Marie) Hilton, and Brian Buckles. And 3 great-grand daughters, Halle & Vale Davis and Logan Hilton.

Iola passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospice in Johnston on October 16. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Mercy Hospice in Johnston for the compassion and exceptional care Iola received. Because of the positive experience Iola, Jim & Sally had, memorial contributions will be directed to Mercy Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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