A very beloved mother and grandmother passed on July 24, 2014 at the age of 82. She was born in Atchinson, Kansas in September of 1931 to Hilda and Clarence Sowers. She had one brother and six sisters. She was the last surviving member of her family. She was married to George C.E. King (Gene) from 1960 to 1991 when he passed. She is survived by her three children (Rita Bennington, Raymond King, and Richard King), eight grandchildren (Shannon, Nicole, Michael, Patrick, William, Raymond, Ashley, and Sarah), and at least two great grandchildren.
Hilda had a very full life. She and her oldest two children moved to Greece in 1962 to be with her husband who was stationed there as an Air Force Tech Sergeant. She was active in the wives club while in Athens and with the local Greek community. She made quilts with the ladies and baked sweets for many events. She remembered seeing the place where the guns of Navarone were. She always spoke of this time and wanted to return to Greece.
Shortly after returning to the United States in 1965, Hilda and her family moved to Yreka, California, where her youngest son was born. They moved to San Jose, California in 1967. She made many friends in their neighborhood. She was even a cubscout den leader for a while. During this time she made several special cakes for family and friends, as well as many beautiful quilts. She also helped raise two of her grandchildren, Shannon and Raymond.
Gene and her were both active in the Air Force Sergeants Association, chapter 1379A. They both held officer positions in the AFSA and Hilda was member of the year in 1982. She even helped make a quilt for a raffle event. She continued to be active in the association through 2000.
Hilda was a very hard worker throughout her life. She worked as a short order cook both in Yreka and at Moffet Field. She earned a 10 year pin through the Navy resale system. She started working in Market Research sometime in the 1980's and continued till around 2008. She made many friends in San Jose Focus and other research groups.
Most recently she has enjoyed resting during her retirement and spending time with the ladies of Colonial Manor doing quilting, knitting, crocheting, bingo, and helping out with club activities. Hilda has always loved quilting, crafting, baking, cooking, reading, canning, and making jam throughout her life. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
By Her Kids
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