Hilda Catherine (Elliott) Deekens

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Hilda Elliott Boepple Deekens of Amelia, Virginia passed away on April 5^th.  She was born Hilda Katherine Elliott on April 8^, 1931, the daughter of Burke and Minnie Elliott.  One of her proudest accomplishments was becoming the Valedictorian of the Burkeville Graduating Class of 1949.    

A few years later she married Phil Boepple.  They had three children: Kathy, Chuck and Charlotte.  Along the way her family moved to Loudoun County, Richmond and back to Amelia.  She loved being a homemaker and Mom.

Following the death of her husband, Hilda was asked to become the first full time librarian of the James L. Hamner Public Library in Amelia. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, after almost 30 years she went back to school taking library science classes at Longwood College and Marshall University in West Virginia.  During her years as librarian, she saw the library through two moves as it grew and expanded its services.

In 1980, Hilda married Jack Deekens and added his two children Mac and Louise to her family.  She became Grandmommy to their four children and later Grandma Hilda to Chuck and Charlotte’s four children.  Hilda and Jack enjoyed traveling very much. They traveled extensively through the US and Europe making many friends along the way. 

Hilda was an active member of the Amelia Presbyterian Church for many years. She was a wonderful cook and hosted most of her families’ gatherings and celebrations.  She was also an accomplished crafter, seamstress, and artist.

She is survived by her children Kathy, Chuck, and Charlotte; her grandchildren Alexandra and Will James, Abagail and Philip Boepple; her stepson Mac Deekens; stepdaughter Louise Ezzell; and step grandchildren Vic and Carter Deekens, and Catherine and Christine Ezzell.  She is also survived by her sisters Marie Borum, Sandra Osborne and Joy Isaacs.

Graveside services will be held at 3PM on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at the Amelia Presbyterian Cemetery.  Arrangements are by the Hillsman-Hix Funeral Home of Amelia.  In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations to the Friends of the James L. Hamner Public Library in Amelia, Virginia

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