Jerold Almon Hilton passed away peacefully at home from natural causes, surrounded by his wife and children, on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Jerold was born on December 10, 1934, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Ora Almon Hilton and Clymena Logan Hilton. He was born alongside his twin sister, Janet, and older sister, Anne.

Known to many as Jerry, he had a lifelong love of US and LDS history, politics, and books. He was thoughtful, intelligent, and deeply engaged with the world around him. He had a passion for teaching, where he loved to challenge ideas and generate discussion. Much of his youth was spent in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where an unexpected encounter on the way home from a church camp changed the course of his life. He met missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, began visiting with them, and was eventually baptized into the Church. His testimony grew, and he later served a mission in the California Oakland Mission.

After his mission, Jerry attended Brigham Young University, where he pursued his education and met the dynamic and engaging LaNore Olsen. Their meeting began a deep and devoted partnership that shaped the rest of their years together. Jerry and LaNore were married in the Manti Utah Temple on June 10, 1957, and built a life in Dillon, Montana centered on faith, family, love, friends, fun, and hard work. LaNore was a beloved and central part of Jerry’s life, and together with their five children, they created a lively home filled with love, devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ and wonderful gatherings with family and friends.

After graduating from BYU, Jerry began teaching at Western Montana College, later renamed the University of Montana Western at Dillon, Montana, a profession that beautifully matched both his sharp intellect and his witty demeanor. He loved teaching and spent much of his life helping others learn and grow. Beyond the classroom, he enjoyed leatherwork and especially treasured time spent with LaNore and their children. He also served and influenced many young people throughout his life and was fondly referred to as “Skydog” by many of the youth he served. Jerry and LaNore both sang and performed with a local traveling group known as “Sounds”.

LaNore’s death on February 2, 1995, was a profound loss in Jerry’s life. Her love and influence remained with him always, and her memory continued to be cherished by the family they built together.

Jerry was blessed to find companionship again with Elaine Miller Hilton. Elaine and Jerry met at a dance and fell in love quickly and started a new life together. They built a new home in Rexburg, Idaho where they enjoyed the area and many good friends. They were always together and enjoyed the times they traveled to Arizona and Mexico. They left the Idaho winters about 9 years ago and moved to sunny St. George where they have loved, and met wonderful friends & neighbors. They also had the privilege of serving for six years as temple workers in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple and the Rexburg Idaho Temple.

Jerry will be remembered for his love of learning, his devotion to family, his faith in Jesus Christ, and the steady, thoughtful way he moved through life. His legacy lives on in the faith, love, and strength of his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine; their combined children Pam Peebles, Teresa McFarland, Lance Blanchard (Valerie), Brett Hilton (Bonnie), Travis Hilton (Diana), Amber Peterson (Martin), Lance Hilton (Shay), and Cody Hilton; 52 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren!

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife LaNore, his older sister Anne, and six grandchildren: Sharee Peebles, Adam, Aaron, Ammon, Annalyn and Isabella Hilton.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 on Friday, April 24, 2026 at McArthur Funeral Home and Cremation Center located at 160 W 700 S, St. George, Utah 84770. Viewing will be Friday at 9:00-9:30 prior to the funeral. The funeral services can be viewed online. Please see the link at https://www.mcarthurfuneralservices.com

Interment will be 12:00 pm Saturday April 25, 2026 at Mountain View Cemetery in Dillon Montana located at 934 Sweetwater Road, Dillon, MT 59725