Eleanor Hildenbrand

Eleanor “Ellie” Joan Hildenbrand, age 91, completed her work here on Earth, and won the race victorious when she peacefully ran into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. She leaves a lasting legacy of service, generosity, warm embraces, humility, compassion, and above all, a faithful devotion to the Lord.

The youngest of four children, Eleanor was born on April 1, 1935 in Port Huron, MI to Rev. August and Lettie Doehring. Her siblings Enid (Bob) Reed, Dr. Edwin (Jean/Becky) Doehring, and Elaine (Ted) Neely, precede her in death, along with her grandson-in-law, Kyle Kelting.

The family moved to west Michigan where she met her future husband, Raymond Hildenbrand. She and Ray married in 1954 and enjoyed nearly 64 years together until his passing in 2017. Together they raised four sons, operated a dairy farm, made over 25 trips to Montana for hunting, traveled to California and Alaska, and were actively involved with their church - Ellie, specifically, in the choir. She also worked as a CNA for 11 years in assisted living facilities, maintained a welcoming home, and later cared for Ray in their home.

She valued any time spent with family and friends and was always elated to see them. The heritage of her faith in God was evident when her family gathered to pray over her in her final hours.

Carrying on her legacy are her sons Douglas (Jane) Hildenbrand, Larry (Mandy) Hildenbrand, Rodney (Michele) Hildenbrand, and David (Debbi) Hildenbrand; along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Jenna and Saul Gray-Hildenbrand (Jerome), Dacey and Adam Wells (Isaac, Sam, Ellie), Bethany and Jacob Raak (Kirby), Lindsey and Michael Siegersma (August), Kristen Kelting (Kendalyn and Kayson), Luke and Jessie Hildenbrand (Winnie and Boone), Maddy Hildenbrand, Olivia and Chase Sumner, and Blake and Kaylee Hildenbrand. She will also be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A special thanks to the staff at Byron Manor who provided compassionate care to Ellie for the past five years. The family also thanks Interim Hospice for the tender care and guidance they provided in her last months of life.

A celebration of Eleanor’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Eleanor, contributions may be made to Interim Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.