Hilda Mullins' Obituary
MULLINS, Hilda, age 92, of Spring Valley, passed away quietly at sunrise on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton.
Hilda was born on November 26, 1932 to Millard Milton “Tony” Saylor and Delia Allen Saylor in Salvisa, Kentucky. She graduated from Brodhead High School, class of ’50, and received her Bachelor’s degree from Central State University, class of ’67. She was active in several southern Baptist churches and attended Lighthouse Baptist Church in Xenia when she could.
She began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in South Eastern Kentucky. She was a second-grade and eventually a third-grade teacher for Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Local Schools. She retired in 1984 after 32 years of teaching. Even though she wasn’t in her classroom after retirement, it didn’t mean that she stopped teaching. She was still teaching individuals in the community until she was 90. Her last student was a 60-year-old man who had never been able to read, after she finished teaching him he was able to read just about anything. During her teaching career, she influenced thousands. She always taught her students manners, and every student could read easily when leaving her classroom. During her time at Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools, she took good care of her students, especially those who were needy. During Christmas, she would make them clothes and discretely give them the items. She loved her career, which showed through her hard work, dedication, and generosity.
Hilda was a wildflower enthusiast; she led many walks at the Sugarcreek Reserve. She was an enthusiast gardener of both vegetables and flowers. She could grow anything. She especially enjoyed growing, preserving, and eating her bountiful harvest each year. Listening to and watching birds was another one of her hobbies. She was an avid book reader. She would read anything and everything: novels. History, biographies, fictional, you name it, she would read it. She would regularly read 30 books each month. As a strong, independent woman, she thought for herself. Her personality made everyone feel welcome in her home, and she loved a good celebration. Hilda looked forward to celebrating all the holidays with her family. She cherished her two beloved grand-dogs, a Maltese named Brooklyn and her Toy Fox Terrier named Scout. She met and married Lloyd Mullins in 1952, and they were married for 49 beautiful years. They had a love story that was irreplaceable and was well-known. All you had to do was look at them. Among many things, she will be remembered for her love for her adoring husband and two wonderful daughters.
Hilda was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lloyd, in 2001; two grandchildren, Jacquline Caroline Kirchner and Joseph Robert Kirchner; parents, Millard Milton “Tony” and Delia Saylor; four sisters, Juanita (Earnest) Stanley, Eyvonne (Robert) McDaniel, Lela (Stanley) Byerley, and Mary Neville (Eddie) Cash; and friends, Faye and Jerry Lane. She is survived by her two daughters, Rose (Delia Johnson) Mullins and Bonnie Kirchner; her faithful caregiver and protector of a son-in-law, Robert Kirchner III; many nieces and nephews; and her kindest and faithful friends, Lois and Jesse May.
Funeral service will be at 11 am on Thursday, December 5, at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Xenia. Josh Bevan will be officiating. Burial will be at Spring Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 pm – 7 pm Wednesday, December 4, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. If desired, contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. Condolences at www.connerandkoch.com
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