Ronald Hiltner, age 96, of Martinsburg passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025 at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Mount Vernon. He was born June 29, 1929, in Coshocton County, Ohio; the son of Milton and Ada Neldon Hiltner. Ron joins his beloved wife of 70 years, Aileen, in heaven after she passed away on April 7, 2025.
Ron attended the Union School in Warsaw in Coshocton County, Ohio, before transferring to Utica High School his senior year and graduating in 1947. Ron married his wife, Aileen (Hays) Hiltner, in 1954. That same year Ron entered the United States Army under the Universal Military Training and Service Act. He served two years on active duty and six years on inactive duty. He was a farmer before joining Columbia Gas Transmission where he retired from after 38.5 years. Ron and Aileen lived outside of Martinsburg in a home he and Aileen built and owned for over 60 years. A 70th wedding anniversary celebration occurred in 2024 in Ron and Aileen’s honor where many community members and family members attended.
He was a member of Owl Creek Baptist Church for over 70 years where he was involved in a variety of church activities including an adult Sunday school teacher throughout the years. He was an active and devoted member of Morgan Grange, No. 829, for over 70 years in 2024, Ron and Aileen were named Grangers of the Year by the Ohio State Grange in 2019.
Ron was recognized by the Park National Bank in 2015 as the Utica Community Difference Maker. As a part of the award, Ron could choose an organization to receive a $500 donation from Park. He chose the Utica Elementary first graders where he volunteered for several years supporting Utica’s students.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Aileen, as well as his parents; and brothers Harlan and Virgil. He is survived by his sister, Vanetta of Brigantine, New Jersey, and his children Jan (Jon) Loomis of Sarasota, Florida, and Jeff Hiltner of Martinsburg; grandson Trevor Hiltner of Jacksonville, Florida, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Ron’s family would like to say a big Thank You to the staff at Brookdale Retirement Center for their love and care of Ron and the DaVita Dialysis center in Newark, Ohio, team that lovingly called him, “Coach”, and most recently the Fresenius Dialysis Center in Mount Vernon.
Honoring Ron’s request there will be no services. Burial will be in Grove Church Cemetery.
Any and all donations to be made to Owl Creek Baptist Church, 4044 Owl Creek Rd., Mt. Vernon, OH. 43050.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Home: Brucker-Baker
Website: www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com