Rita Hilton

Rita G. Hilton, 87, passed away February 15, 2021 at her Bartow residence after a long term illness. She moved to Bartow from Black Mountain, NC, in 1959. She was the first in her family to attend college and was a proud graduate of Blue Mountain College. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Bartow, which she joined when she first arrived in Bartow. While her first job in Bartow was as a UF Extension Agent for Polk County, her long term career was dedicated to the business operations of Imperial Lumber Company, where she served as Accountant. She was a Master Gardener specializing in highly awarded African Violets and horticultural designs, and held the designation of Master Flower Show Judge (retired). She was a Life Member of various garden clubs, including the Bartow Garden Club, served as President of the African Violet Society of America, and served as Treasurer of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. She could turn out gourmet delicacies from her plain little kitchen using the most mundane ingredients and was an excellent seamstress. She loved her Tampa Bay Rays and watched all their games. She is survived by a son, Luke Hilton, and his wife TJ, as well as two brothers, Robert Gasperson of Ocala, and Paul Gasperson, who lives in the Philippines. The family would like to recognize Caregivers Shannon Russell, and in memory, Cathy Bruce, for their many years of committed service and protective loyalty to “Ms. Rita”. Due to the ongoing pandemic, a private family service will be held. Memorials can be made to Good Shepard Hospice in Lakeland.