Elva Irene Lauritzen Hillman

Elva Irene Lauritzen Hillman, passed away on  November 16, 2023, at her home in Rigby, Idaho at the age of 96.

Elva was born on February 20, 1927 in Victor, Idaho, the 4th child of John Delos Lauritzen and Carrie Larsen Lauritzen.

Elva grew up in Victor, Idaho and attended school in Victor and Driggs.  Elva was a good student and enjoyed music, playing the clarinet and saxophone in the Dance Band.   After she was married, she taught herself how to play the piano and organ.

Elva met Guy Hillman while in high school in Driggs, and they dated all through high school.  Elva and Guy were married June 2nd, 1946, in her parent’s home in Victor. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on August 14th 1979. They were blessed with 3 sons, Richard Guy, Kent L, and Michael R.

Guy and Elva bought the Economy Cash Grocery in 1956 and Elva worked in the store while raising their boys.  In 1985 they built a new store and the name was changed to Hillman’s Thriftway.   She was then able to retire and stay at home.

Elva was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She held many callings including primary pianist and served as a counselor in the Relief Society.

Elva enjoyed all word games and puzzles.  She loved to watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and most often had the correct answers.  She was a whiz at crossword puzzles and continued finishing them until just before her death.

Guy preceded her in death.

Elva then married her lifelong friend Donald Ard, on Jan 15, 1999 in Laughlin, Nevada.  They spent 18 years together, traveling, visiting with friends and family, playing games and music and dancing.  They spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona and their summers in Rigby and Island Park.  Don preceded her in death.

Elva continued wintering in Mesa until her health started to decline.  She preferred the winters there and loved spending time with family members that would come visit.

Elva spent the last 6 years at her home in Rigby, being cared for by Michael and Tonya and family. She enjoyed family parties, Sunday dinners, and holidays spent with Michael’s family.

Elva loved her family and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a special joy in her life.

Elva passed away peacefully, in her home, on the morning of November 16, 2023.

Elva is survived by her sons, Richard (Rae) Hillman, of Scottsdale, Arizona; Kent (Ava) Hillman, of Driggs, Idaho; Michael (Tonya) Hillman, of Rigby, Idaho; 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Elva was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Guy, husband Don, her sister Enid, brothers Donald, Dean, Rex, and Boyd, and her daughter-in-law Kathy, and 2 grandsons-in-law.

The family would like to thank One Source Hospice and Eden PCS for their kind and gentle care of our mother, and all of the friends and family who loved Elva and helped with her care.

Funeral Services will be at Eckersell Memorial Chapel (101 W Main St. Rigby, ID 83442), on Saturday November 25th, at 11:00 a.m. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Darby Cemetery in Driggs, Idaho.