Elizabeth "Betty" M. Hilts, 90, formerly of 318 Folts St., Herkimer, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2004, at Faxton Hospital, Utica. She had been a recent resident at Valley Health Services, Herkimer. She was born Elizabeth Martha Waterbury Nov. 7, 1913, in Herkimer, the daughter of the late Frank and Florella Young Waterbury. She was educated in local schools. As a young woman, she was employed as a seamstress at the Thomas Donlon Glove Factory of Herkimer, alongside her mother. On Aug. 8, 1940, she was married to John Hilts in Frankfort. Together they took care of 62 foster children over the course of 40 years. He passed away in 1971. Betty was a 71-year member of the First Baptist Church of Herkimer, joining on April 16, 1933. She was in charge of the church nursery for many years. Betty was very fond of her cats. She was also involved in the Dumpster Kitty Project in Herkimer. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Lillian "Becky" and Gary Eckler of Cedarville; her son and daughter-in-law, Theodore and Marie Hilts of Herkimer; five grandchildren, Rick Hawkins and his wife Katherine of Ilion, James Hawkins and his wife Lynn of Mohawk, Tammy Wood and her husband William of Herkimer, Theodore Hilts Jr. and his wife Kelly of Herkimer and Robert Harrod of Rochester; seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, one brother, Elwood "Tod" Waterbury of Herkimer; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Robert "Bob" Harrod in 1993, two sisters, Ruth Kissner and (infant) Ellen Waterbury, three brothers, Gordon, Willard and Seaton Waterbury, a half-brother, two nephews and three nieces. In keeping with Betty's wishes, funeral services will be private and there will be no public calling hours. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer. Memorial contributions may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home. All funeral and burial services were prearranged and entrusted to Applegate and Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion.