Mrs. Ann (Wardzinski) "Gram" Hilts, 91, of Church St., Mohawk, formerly of McGowan Rd., Frankfort, entered into eternal rest early Thursday morning, July 20, 2006, peacefully in her home. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded with the comfort and support of her loved ones at her bedside. She was born on July 25, 1914 in Pittsburgh, Pa. On November 2, 1935, Ann was joined in marriage with Elwood Hilts in the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer. Mr. Hilts passed away in 1968 after enjoying a union of nearly forty years. She was last employed as an assembler with the former Martin Reel Manufacturing Company in Mohawk and was at one time employed by the former Sperry Rand. In her retirement years she enjoyed cooking for her son at Mr. Shake in Richfield Springs. She was a communicant of Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, Herkimer and was a past member of the Ilion Lady Moose Lodge. Ann considered her family to be her first and most important priority as well as the course of her deepest satisfaction and pride. She was committed to the well-being and happiness of her loved ones and she was protective of their health and security. She was able to achieve great success in her roles as parent and grandparent always remaining interested and involved in their lives and creating for them a life filled with love, joy, honesty and the wisdom of her guidance. In her spare time she enjoyed crocheting afghans for family and friends to enjoy. She leaves many wonderful family members and friends to carry on her legacy; seven sons: Elwood Hilts, Jr., and wife Neva of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Robert Hilts and wife Wanita of Arkansas, John Hilts and wife Robin of Burlington Flats, William Hilts and wife Kathy of Mohawk, Don Hilts and wife Michele of Fl., Chuck Hilts and wife Ann of Richfield, Rich Hilts and wife Ruth of Richfield; four daughters: Shirley Gay of Mohawk, Marilyn Murphy of Mohawk, Bev Fike and husband Gordy of Ilion, and Carlotta Fuller and husband Cap of E. Herkimer; fourty five grandchildren, fifty eight great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews add especially mentioning Mary Catherine Ackey and two beloved canine companions: Shakey and Rocco. Welcoming her at the gates of heaven are her son: Ronald Hilts, a grandson: James Gay, two grandaughters: Cindy Gay and Jaclyn Wardzinski, two great grandchildren: Elwood Gallagher and Jordan Fike, a son in law: Gerald Gay, a sister: Mary Ackley and a brother: Julian Wardzinski. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, Main St., between Ilion and Frankfort, (894-8000), on Sunday, July 23, 2006 from 3-7 p.m. Ann's funeral will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 24, from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered thence to Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, S. Main St., Herkimer, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. by the Rev. Mark Cunningham, (pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer). Procession will follow to Oak Hill Cemetery where she will be laid to rest. The family extends its gratitude to the nurses who gave outstanding care and made Ann feel comfortable during her final days at home. Also a very special thank you to Dr. Cheryl Mattern, nurses and staff on the first and sixth floor at St. Luke's Healthcare and also the many friends and relatives for their kind expressions of sympathy during this difficult time especially mentioning Margaret Doxstader and her family. Kindly consider memorial offerings to the American Cancer Society, envelopes are available at the funeral home. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.