Ronald Hiltner, age 96, of Martinsburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Mount Vernon. He was born on June 29, 1929, in Coshocton County, Ohio, to the late Milton and Ada (Neldon) Hiltner.
Ron now joins his beloved wife of 70 years, Aileen (Hays) Hiltner, in heaven. Aileen preceded him in death on April 7, 2025.
Ron attended Union School in Warsaw, Ohio, before transferring to Utica High School for his senior year, graduating in 1947. In 1954, the same year he married Aileen, 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.
Following his military service, Ron worked as a farmer before beginning a long career with Columbia Gas Transmission, where he retired after 38 and a half years of service. Ron and Aileen made their home outside Martinsburg in a house they built and lived in for over 60 years. In 2024, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, surrounded by family and friends from the community.
Ron was a dedicated member of Owl Creek Baptist Church for more than 70 years, serving in various capacities, including as an adult Sunday School teacher. He was also a lifelong member of Morgan Grange No. 829, and in 2019, he and Aileen were honored as Grangers of the Year by the Ohio State Grange.
In 2015, Park National Bank recognized Ron as the Utica Community Difference Maker. As part of the award, he selected Utica Elementary School’s first-grade class—where he had volunteered for several years—to receive a $500 donation in his honor.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Aileen; his parents; and his brothers, Harlan and Virgil. He is survived by his sister, Vanetta, of Brigantine, New Jersey; his children, Jan (Jon) Loomis of Sarasota, Florida, and Jeff Hiltner of Martinsburg; and his grandson, Trevor Hiltner, of Jacksonville, Florida. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Ron’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Brookdale Retirement Center, the DaVita Dialysis Center in Newark—whose team affectionately called him “Coach”—and the Fresenius Dialysis Center in Mount Vernon.
In accordance with Ron’s wishes, no services will be held. Burial will take place at Grove Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Owl Creek Baptist Church, 4044 Owl Creek Rd., Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com.
