Edla (Rickard) Hilts
August 16, 2011
Hilts, Edla (Rickard), 82, retired choral music director, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Celebration service scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Saturday September 17, East Heights United Methodist Church. Private family interment Saturday, August 20, 2011. Preceded in death by husband, Jim Hilts; mother, Margaret Rickard; father, Maurice Rickard, 2 brothers, Victor and Lawrence Rickard and 1 sister, Velma Rickard Harper. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Lisa (Hilts) and David Benson of Champlin, MN; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Lori Hilts of Andover, KS; daughter, Rebecca Hilts of Wichita; grandchildren, Lee, Grant and Paige Benson, James and Julia Hilts; sister, Leona Rickard Lancelot of Denver, CO; brother-in-law, Glenn Harper of Hill City, KS, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was born in Corbin, KS and as the daughter of a Methodist minister, lived with her family in 10 western Kansas towns before coming to Wichita to attend Wichita University. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1952. Her career began as a choral music director at West High the first year it opened in 1953. In 1957, she became the organist and then Director of Music at East Heights United Methodist Church where she spent 20 years. She was the founder and director of The Voices of Choral Arts in 1960, a professional group that was founded to provide a performing medium for women eager to use their vocal talents. For many years, this group presented a new production featuring choral arrangements staged with colorful costumes and dances. Choral Arts performed for many groups and civic organizations in Wichita. In 1977 she accepted the full-time Director of Choral Music position at First United Methodist Church where she retired after 13 years of service. Following retirement, Edla was able to pursue her love of jazz piano and performed her favorite 1940s jazz piano arrangements. Edla was a dynamic force in providing Wichita with beautiful choral music for over 50 years. Memorials have been established with First United Methodist Church Pipe Organ Fund, 330 N Broadway, Wichita, KS, 67202 and East Heights United Methodist Church Childrens Ministries, 4407 E Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67218. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
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I am so sorry about Edla. She was a dear friend. We had such good times and good talks when we were neighbors. I will miss her. She was an amazing and beautiful person in every way and she enriched the lives of so many people, in cluding me. Ruth Ann Messner’s comments brought back so many memories, as did the family’s reflections. I know Edla was so proud of all of you. We will all remember this special lady with love and be happy that she was part of our lives. With love to all.
Dear Lisa, Rick and Becky. Iam so sorry to read of the passing of Edla.My deepest sympathies go to you and may God uplift all of you during this difficult time. I know first hand what it is like to lose Mom. Unfortunately I will not be able to come to the service on Saturday because I am working and of distance. Please keep in mind that she’ll always be alive in your heart. She meant so much to me when I was a member of chancel choir at FUMC, she was more that just my director I considered her my friend.
I met Edla 45 years ago when I started working for Hilts, Inc. I had never met anyone with so much ethusiasm in my life. She was always positive and looked to the future. She told me once it’s important to wait your turn because you may not be as ready to do something as you think. When it’s your time you will get what you want. I liked that and always remembered her for that thought. She was a loving mother and a good wife. Oh yes, the music and stuff.. a blessing for all that knew her. My she eternally rest in peace. It was an honor to have known her.
Was sorry to hear about Mrs Hilts. She really cared about her students. She was my music teacher 56 years ago. She came to our 50th year class reunion and lead us in our school song 5 years ago. She will be missed by many. God bless
Dear Becky, Rick, and Lisa and families, Edla was dearly loved by lots of us because of the beauty of her soul and music and her love of God. We have already been missing her and your dad. Thank you for loving her and caring for her as she had done for and with you. May the Lord comfort you in your grief and thanks to Him, she now is in complete peace! Sincerely What a woman!
So sorry to hear of your loss. Edla was a wonderful woman and I truly enjoyed singing with her for many years. I will miss her greatly.