Pilar Hilton

Pilar Hilton, age 77, of Kennard, Indiana, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Henry Community Health Hospital, surrounded by love. Pilar was born on Sunday, March 7, 1948, in Durango, Mexico, to parents Rodolfo De La Parra and Beatriz De Haven. 

Pilar was a longtime resident of Virginia City, Nevada, where she met and married Nevada businessman Ross Hilton. They had two daughters, Angela and Monique. They built a life on the Comstock that included owning and operating the Delta Restaurant and the Palace Saloon and gift shop. Their time on the mountain was full of adventures, friends, life's ups and downs, and, of course, camel and outhouse races. Pilar was an active member of St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church in Virginia City, where she sang in the choir.

Pilar left the restaurant business behind and became a real estate agent. She worked out of Carson City, Nevada, for numerous years and later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she also practiced real estate for several years.

In her golden years, Pilar moved to Indiana, where she spent her time painting, sculpting, sewing, and spending time with her Hoosier family. Her best friend and confidant was her sister-in-law, Elodia De La Parra, who provided such love and support to Pilar when she needed it most, especially nearing Pilar's passing. 

Pilar was a lifelong devout Catholic and leaned on her faith. She was also a devotee of the Virgen de Guadalupe and always celebrated her feast day of December 12th.

Pilar left this world surrounded by love. Her daughter kissed her forehead, told her it was okay to go, and placed her rosary in her hand. By phone or in person, her family shared their love and, as stated by her niece Diana, didn't say "goodbye" but just "see you later."

In addition to her parents, Rodolfo and Beatriz, and Ross Hilton, Pilar is preceded in death by her granddaughters, Cherry Lehr and Raven Zumwalt, and her brother, Lionel De La Parra. 

Pilar is survived by her children, Monique (Steven) Zumwalt, of Kennard, Indiana, and Angela (Shawn) Lehr, of Manzanita, Oregon, and by her grandchildren: Zech, Zakkary, Dahlia, Lola, Steven Jr., Aden, Asher, and Mirabelle. 

Pilar leaves behind her siblings, Francisco De La Parra, Rosario De La Parra, and Lourdes Gutierrez. Pilar will also be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, many friends, and every heart she touched along her journey of life.

In addition to a Catholic Mass being said, there will be a dedication and blessing of a memorial garden at the home of Steven and Monique Zumwalt in Kennard, Indiana, on March 31, 2025, at 1pm. Flowers are welcome in Pilar's honor and can be sent to 305 Dewey Street, Kennard, Indiana 47351.

~The staff of Liming Family Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Pilar Hilton.~

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