Obituaries
Elaine Bonita Hilman
Elaine Bonita Hilman, born July 9, 1932, went to be with the Lord on September 14, 2025, at the age of 93.
Elaine’s life was a beautiful story of love, devotion, and community. She was proud to be called a homemaker, for she created more than just a house—she built a warm and welcoming home where family and friends loved to gather. She found joy in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she carried those roles with a grace and pride that touched everyone around her.
Elaine dedicated herself to helping others grow, always leading by example. For more than 30 years, she guided young people in 4-H, serving as the leader of the Horses & Hobbles 4-H Club. She was also a proud member of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo Queen Board, where she supported young women in carrying forward Western traditions. Beyond that, she gave her time generously to the Big Horn Historical Society and the Big Horn Woman’s Club, serving both organizations for many years with her steady kindness and commitment.
She raised three children—Ross, Diana, and Brant—and cherished five grandchildren: Tressa, Kayla, Ilene, Joann, and Ben, who became part of the family as a high school student. Her ten great-grandchildren kept her heart young and her spirit lively, filling her days with laughter and joy.
Though her passing leaves a hole in the family, we are grateful for the many years we were blessed to share with her. Elaine now joins her beloved husband, Zane, and the family who passed before her.
We celebrate Elaine as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and community leader whose legacy shines brightly in all who knew her. What greater love and gift could there be?
Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/
Doree Kobold
September 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Jim and Diana,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have known Elaine since I was 11 Years old as well as her parents, Albert and Archie Nash. They were specials friends of my parents and always considered them special friends to Lary, our boys and me. She is now at home with her precious Zane. Love and Prayers to all the family. Doree
Kathy Oatts
September 20, 2025 at 4:32 pm
RIP
I grew up on Big Goose and my parents were friends with the family! She was a very kind person 🙏🙏🙏
Julie Gerlach
September 22, 2025 at 12:22 pm
Elaine and Zane epitomized the native Wyomingites of my youth. Well versed in history, they loved to share stories and the western culture they were so much a part of. Elaine had a heart as big as the mountains. As is Zane, she will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to all of the Hilman family,
Linda Hall
September 24, 2025 at 3:45 pm
My condolences for your loss. I first met Elaine when working at Gambles with Diana. It was always a pleasure to run into her at different business and catch up.
Cynde Georgen
September 24, 2025 at 5:26 pm
Elaine was always so great – she and my mom were classmates and they had great fun planning the class reunions together! My condolences to the entire family.