Esther Hildred
Jerseyville | Save
Esther Kayrine "Kay" Hildred, 70, of Jerseyville, passed away at 7:02 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in the Emergency Department at Jersey Community Hospital.
Born on February 16, 1956, in Jerseyville, Illinois, Kay was the daughter of Robert Hildred and Esther (Kessler) Hildred. She shared many years of love, laughter, and companionship with Gabriel DiFrancisco before they were united in marriage on September 25, 2016. Long before exchanging vows, they had built a life together founded on love, friendship, and unwavering partnership.
Kay was a dedicated and hardworking woman whose greatest joy came from caring for others. She began her career at KB Toys, where her playful spirit and love for children made the work especially meaningful. She later worked at several businesses throughout the Jerseyville area, including many years alongside Gabe at The Diner. There, she became known for her strong work ethic, quick wit, and vibrant personality. In later years, Kay found fulfillment as a volunteer at the Jersey Community Hospital Resale Shop, where she enjoyed visiting with others and giving back to the community she loved.
Kay embraced life with remarkable authenticity, living unapologetically and always true to herself. She possessed a one-of-a-kind personality, a generous heart, and an adventurous spirit. She never met a stranger and had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether sharing stories, laughter, or inviting someone in need to join her family's Thanksgiving table, Kay made people feel valued and accepted. She loved deeply and gave of herself freely to those around her.
Known for speaking her mind with honesty, humor, and a touch of sarcasm, Kay often reminded others, "If they're talking about me, they're leaving everyone else alone." She encouraged those she loved to embrace who they were, speak their truth, and never apologize for being themselves. Beneath her strong and outspoken nature was an incredibly compassionate woman who consistently placed the needs of others before her own.
Above all else, Kay cherished her family. She was immensely proud of her children and never missed an opportunity to remind them how deeply they were loved. Her greatest happiness was found in the time she spent with her grandchildren, celebrating milestones, holidays, and the everyday moments that became treasured memories.
Kay also found joy in life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed creating diamond art, making homemade jams and jellies, decorating her home for every holiday—especially Halloween—and expressing her colorful personality through her unique style. Her beloved dog, Precious Butterfly, was a faithful companion who remained by her side through the years.
Her Christian faith was an important part of her life. Following her baptism, Kay faithfully worshiped at New Life Church of the Nazarene in Jerseyville for more than a decade. Her faith strengthened her generous spirit and gave her enduring hope.
She is survived by her loving husband, Gabriel "Gabe" DiFrancisco of Jerseyville; her children, Kristen Heaton of Lynnville, Elizabeth Freand of Jerseyville, Katherine Schmidt of Roseburg, Oregon, William Weible of Columbia, Missouri, and Krystal Wooldridge of Eldred; 13 cherished grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her siblings, Robin Frank of Jerseyville, Clark (LoriAnn) Hildred of Roodhouse, Scherry Spangler of Ballwin, Missouri, Anessa Kriston of Champaign, and Nancy (Scott) Sullivan of Bethalto; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Hildred; her mother and stepfather, Esther and William "Bill" Gowin; and her brothers, Russell "Russ" Gowin and Clayton Hildred.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Crawford Funeral Home
