Mark Andrew Hilton, 84

Mark Andrew Hilton, 84, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, after suffering a heart attack at Bonner General Hospital in Sandpoint.

The funeral will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Free Methodist Church in Bonners Ferry.

Mark had lived in Valley Vista Nursing Home since September.

He was born March 19, 1925, in Cusick, Wash., to Fauvette Trueblood and West Hilton.

Mark was raised in Cusick, where his family had a dairy farm and he worked with his dad milking cows while attending school.

Mark graduated from Cusick High School, where he met his sweetheart, Frances Finch.

After graduating from Cusick High School in 1943, Mark joined the Army. A World War II veteran, he was overseas in The Philippines and New Guinea for two years. Mark received the Good Conduct Medal and other medals along with the Bronze Service Star.

When he was discharged, Mark returned to Cusick, where he married Frances.

Mark and Frances then moved to Moyie Springs, where Mark worked for 30 years as head saw filer at Moyie River Lumber Co. After retirement, he had a saw filing business.

Mark enjoyed taking care of his family and playing the guitar for his daughters, who sang and participated in talent shows. He was very musical and played the guitar by ear.

Mark also loved baseball and played many summers on the Moyie River team as a first baseman. Other hobbies included bowling, snowmobile riding with Frances and friends, hunting and fishing.

Mark and Frances attended Community Fellowship Church for many years. They made many friends there and liked studying the Word and helping others.

Mark loved his family and it was important to him that he was a good dad. He encouraged the grandchildren to always strive for better grades and was proud of their accomplishments.

Mark loved playing baseball with them and being at their games or plays. He also loved working on his place with his tractor.

Mark’s greatest pleasure was being with Frances and their puppies for the wonderful 63 years they were married.

Mark is survived by his daughter Toni Taylor and her husband, Lee; grandchildren Todd Hittle and his wife Pam, Spencer Hittle and his wife, Barb, Tifani Hittle, Darren Osborn, Toby Schnuerle and his wife, Jamie, and Libbi Maggi and her husband, Matt; and great-grandchildren Lane, Ryker, Amanda and her husband, Mark, Amy, Alanna, Ashlyn, Allysa, Kendal, Haley, Jaeger , Jaeda, Grace, Amanda and Dalton.

Mark was preceded in death by his wife, daughter Sheri Schnuerle, parents, and siblings Scott Hilton, Nina Nelson, Fauvette Bond and Carmon Colie.

Family and friends may sign Mark’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.

Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is handling arrangements.