Barbara Jean Riley Hilton, aged 79, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Her passing marked the close of a life richly lived, full of compassion, creativity, and a boundless love for her family and the world around her.
Born in Hudson, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Barbara’s life journey took her to places that became home and held her heart—Alton, New Hampshire, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Each place became a canvas on which she painted a life full of color, passion, and purpose.
Barbara was the cherished wife of Robert Hilton and the loving daughter of Andrew S. Riley and Edna T. Satas Riley. Her role as a mother was one she embraced with open arms and an open heart.
She lovingly raised four children: Lisa McKay, Andrew Hodgdon, Christina Hilton, and Robert Hilton. Her family extended to three stepdaughters—Roberta Hilton Jasiak, Elizabeth Atkinson, and Barbara Santasiero—whom she welcomed as her own.
Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren—Rylee and Aidan McKay, Angelica Wallis, Andrew, Sarah, and Julie Hodgdon, Megan and Justin Clevenger, and Robert Hilton—and her three great-grandchildren: Lenny McKay, Layla McKay, and Nova Hodgdon.
Barbara was a woman of remarkable talents and tireless energy. Her love for Siberian Huskies led her to become a dedicated breeder, especially for sled dog racing—a pursuit that reflected both her adventurous spirit and deep connection with animals.
In addition, she was a gifted seamstress who crafted exquisite handmade dolls, each one a reflection of her attention to detail and her warm, giving nature.
Her creativity knew no bounds. As a painter, Barbara brought to life scenes of beauty and imagination, and her garden was nothing short of a masterpiece.
She nurtured over 300 varieties of flowers in her lifetime, creating a kaleidoscope of color that mirrored her zest for life. Her garden was more than a space—it was a testament to her love for nature and her ability to care for all living things.
Barbara also had a deep love of music. Her home was often filled with the sounds of singing, dancing, and laughter. She found joy in small pleasures—reading a good book, cooking a favorite recipe, or sharing heartfelt conversations with loved ones. Known for her culinary skills, Barbara’s meals were more than just food—they were expressions of love and care.
What set Barbara apart was not just her many gifts and hobbies, but the kindness she extended to everyone she met. She had an extraordinary ability to see the best in people and radiated warmth and compassion that drew others to her. She believed in the power of love, and she lived that belief every day.
Barbara Jean Riley Hilton leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and unwavering strength. She was not only a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, but also a beloved friend, artist, gardener, and the beating heart of her family. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her, and her spirit will live on in the beauty she created and the love she gave so freely.
