Carolyn Louise Hilt

Carolyn Louise South Hilt was born on December 6, 1927 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Gladys Louise Browning South and Walter Nichols South. She passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 26, 2026.

She had an active childhood and enjoyed barrel racing aboard her trusty steed, Betty. Carolyn graduated from Arsenal Technical High School and often spoke of her love for the wooded campus. Carolyn attended Indiana University at Bloomington for one year, during which she met her husband, Donald Morehead Hilt, and married him shortly thereafter. Her life took her to Greenfield, Indiana, and she became a busy mother with two spirited daughters. During that time, she became the secretary for the Greenfield Christian Church and an enthusiastic member of the Tri Kappa sorority.

Carolyn had a lifelong and superb talent with sewing and was able to fashion everything from delicate Barbie doll clothing to her oldest daughter’s, Beverly’s wedding dress, which was made of white velvet with the train trimmed with pearls. Her talent caught the attention of a noted interior decorator, which was a testament to her unique skill.

Carolyn relocated to Terre Haute, Indiana, where she continued to live a busy life. She became an avid golfer and loved to play bridge with her family and friends. Nothing pleased her more than to sink a chip-in from well off the green (which she did regularly) or to make a slam when doubled. She continued devoting many hours to Tri Kappa and joined the Red Hat Society. She also worked for many years as a legal secretary.

She and her husband enjoyed many happy hours dining and dancing at the Elks Club and preparing sumptuous dinners at her home on Chickadee Lane, which became a memorable magnet for her ever-expanding circle of friends.

An adventurous traveler, Carolyn enjoyed trips to various locations including Hawaii, Portugal, Spain, and Prince Edward Island, where she enjoyed one of her favorite foods, scallops, every day of her visit. Carolyn also developed a special love for the desert southwest and enjoyed exploring California, Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Mt. Charleston. She also loved her wine and had the distinction of being one of the oldest persons to open a wine club membership at Viansa Winery of Sonoma.

Carolyn, and her daughter, Cathy, opted to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2017 to be close to others in her family and so she could enjoy large and happy holiday celebrations. When able, she loved going to the Strip, dining at fine restaurants, and taking long car rides and day trips. Willow Beach, along the Colorado River, became a particular favorite. She became a fearsome cornhole competitor and continued her winning ways at bridge and literally any other card contest. No one wanted to be on the other side of the table when Carolyn was on her game.

Having been granted a long life, Carolyn is survived by many who love her, and among them are brother Robert Browning South (Jan), daughter Cathy Jean Swindle, grandchildren, Amy Louise Darrow Tomlinson (Brett), Amanda Leigh Darrow Wedl (Brian), Rachel Elaina Darrow LeVine (Joel), Randall Swindle (Tammy), Eric Swindle (Jennifer). Also, great-grandchildren Fynn Rome Wedl, Grey Darrow Wedl, Gabriel Darrow LeVine, Beckham Gregory LeVine, Erica Swindle Collins, Hunter Swindle, Tanner Swindle, and Makenzi Swindle.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth South Heyer, and her brother, Walter Nichols South II (Pat). Beloved daughter Beverly Louise Hilt Darrow (Greg) sadly passed away in June of 2026. Cathy’s husband, Jackie (Jack) Young Swindle, also very important In Carolyn’s life, passed away in 2015.

Services for Carolyn are pending at at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Pasco Chapel, 1780 W. Main St., Greenfield, Indiana 46140.

If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com.