of Hot Springs Village, AR

November 12, 1944 - December 9, 2024

Nicholas Earl Hilt, a 30+ year resident of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, passed peacefully with his family by his side this past Monday. Nick (aka Nicky to his late wife) was born November 12, 1944 in Hannibal, Missouri to Margaret and Nicholas Hilt. Nick grew up and worked for years on his family farm in Hannibal with his three sisters, Shirley, Bette and Maggie.

Upon graduation from high school, Nick attended Missouri State University, where a fraternity brother introduced him to his wife-to-be, Alice Watts, on a blind date. Their love affair moved them to Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. After graduation, Nick began a 35+ year career at the 3M company, which took the love birds on a journey across the country and around the globe.

After retiring from 3M, Nick and Alice moved to Hot Springs Village, AR and began a new chapter in their life running a real estate magazine publishing business in Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village. A few years later their only child, Theda Mahony, relocated to the state of Arkansas, allowing them to be closer and fully enjoy the company of their treasured grandchildren, Tyler and Abbey Mahony.

Eventually Nick turned the business over to his daughter, Theda, in order to pursue his greater passion of serving the Lord via his non-profit ministry, "Starting Over Ministries". Just when Nick had almost abandoned all hope of its success, his heavenly Father stepped in and flooded the ministry with donations. For over 15+ years, Nick was able to help hundreds of families reunite and rebuild their lives with furniture and household essential donations. He received countless monetary and material donations from churches, realtors and private citizens, who all believed in Starting Over's mission.

Nick enjoyed taking his grandchildren tubing and fishing on Lake Coronado, attending his Emmaus brother's group, being a part of his church community, spending time with his family and working with his Starting Over ministry.

He was known for being fun loving and kind with a great sense of humor and endearing smile and laugh.

Nick is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Theda and Joseph Mahony; grandchildren, Tyler and Abbey Mahony and sisters, Bette Drake and Maggie Barron; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Margaret Hilt; sister, Shirley Pearlstone and his wife of 50+ years, Alice Hilt.

Dad, we are forever grateful for everything you shared with us and others. You are loved beyond words and will be greatly missed, although we are so immensely thankful that you are finally Home.

A service to celebrate Nick and his contributions to life will be held on Tuesday, December 17th at 2:00 p.m. at Village United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village with Pastor Chris Hemund presiding. Please join us as we commemorate Nick's gifts to life and service to our Lord. A live stream of Nick's service is available at www.villageumc.net/watchlive.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Outreach Ministries, c/o Village United Methodist Church, 200 Carmona Drive, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909.

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