Arthur L. Hilty, 85, of Bluffton died at 3:25 p.m. July 26, 2012, at Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. He was born May 31, 1927, to Melvin and Helen Basinger Hilty who preceded him in death. In 1946 he graduated from Bluffton High School. On Oct. 26, 1947 he married Jo Ann Basinger who survives in Bluffton.
He was the fourth generation to live on the family farm where he was a dairy farmer. He also worked at Rusco in Pandora. He was a member of the Ebenezer Mennonite Church, Bluffton.
Mr. Hilty was a Farm Bureau member of Council #35 and served on the Allen County Farm Bureau board. He also served on the zoning board for Richland Township. He was a member of the Bluffton Senior Citizens for several years and took many trips with them.
Survivors also include two sons, Robert Hilty and Michael (Debra) Hilty and a daughter, Jayne (Marty) Benroth all of Bluffton, 11 grandchildren, Brian Hilty, Rachael (Aaron) Antrim, Monica (Kyle) Tarplee, Jeremy (Lindsey) Hilty, Keri Hilty, Kevin (Melissa) Hilty, Kim (Jason) Fritsch, Cory Hilty, Gabriel Benroth, Andrea (Clint) Dailey, Lindsay (Gary) Clevidence and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister Aline Evans.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Ebenezer Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Rev. Dick Potter and Rev. Charles Warren will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Pandora.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. Memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer Mennonite Church or the Memory Garden Project at Maple Crest Senior Living Village. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.