Mrs. John W. Hilts, in failing health for some time died Thursday morning in her 84th year at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Grimsby.

She was born in Gainsborough Township, October 2, 1869, the former Francelia Merritt, daughter of the late Solomon Merritt and Emily Felker. After her marriage in 1911 to John W. Hilts, who predeceased her 7 years ago, the couple came to North Grimsby Township. She was a member of Trinity United Church, Grimsby.

Surviving are four stepsons, Marcus and Gordon, Grimsby; Lorne, Tonawanda, N.Y., and Cecil, Port Dalhousie; three stepdaughters, Mrs. William Furler, Caistor Township; Mrs. Harry Clark, Grimsby, and Mrs. Edward Walker, Melissa, Ontario; one nephew, Ernest Wilcox, Grimsby; and one niece, Mrs. Edgar Swick, Smithville.

Funeral services were held from the Book Funeral Home, Smithville on Saturday afternoon. Interment in Queen's Lawn Cemetery, Grimsby.