Hildegard Wood

Hildegard Wood was born February 23, 1932, in Mörsh, Germany to Johannes Röth and Hedwig (Neureuther) Röth. As a young girl, Hildegard grew up in Karlshure, Germany where she attended school. During the war, they attended school wherever they could and most of the time they were studying in a cellar because that was the safest place. Hildegard met a young United States Army soldier by the name of Tillman Russell Wood, Sr. They began dating and were united in marriage on January 23, 1954, in Karlshure. Shortly after their wedding, Hildegard came to the United States with Tillman. In 1957, while being stationed in Georgia, Hildegard became a United States citizen. In 1976, the family was transferred to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where they remained even after Tillman retired from the military. After moving to Missouri, Hildegard began working at the Main Post Exchange and retired in 1989 as a supervisor. She had worked in every department of the exchange and held different positions before being promoted to supervisor. She was a hard worker and took great pride in her work. Hildegard and Tillman were blessed with three children: Betty, Susan, and Rusty. While they were small, Hildegard worked in the evening for Rice’s Cleaners. She always wanted to make sure that her family was taken care of, so she did whatever it took to make sure their needs were met. In her spare time, Hildegard enjoyed fishing and working in her flower gardens, but her number one priority was her family. She loved them dearly and treasured the times they could spend together, especially when the grandchildren started coming along. Hildegard never stopped helping others, even when her health began to decline. She always sent cards and wishes to others. She was very giving, unselfish, and always put others first. Hildegard passed away Sunday, May 19, 2024, in Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla, Missouri having attained the age of 92 years. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory, her three children, Betty Pugh of Republic, MO, Susan Sielky (Robert) of St. Robert, MO, and Tillman “Rusty” Wood, Jr (Michelle) of Dixon, MO; seven grandchildren, Patricia Pugh-Keeling (Jayme), Michelle Pugh, Kristina Todd (Mark), Robert Sielky (Ashley), Cheyenne Wood (Cody), Matthew Helton (Kate), and Desi Helton-Wrynn (Tyler); five great-grandchildren, Autumn and Hunter Sielky, and Lily, Trenton, and Sawyer Helton; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Hildegard was preceded in death by her husband: Tillman Russell Wood, Sr.; one son: Hans Röth; and two sisters: Anna Jeg and Hedwig Pferrer. Even though she is gone from our sight, Hildegard’s love for her family and others will live on in our hearts forever. Graveside Services and Burial will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, May 24,2024 in Springfield Missouri Veterans Cemetery, under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial Contributions in memory of Hildegard Wood may be made and left at Memorial Chapel.

Hildegard Wood

February 23, 1932 - May 19, 2024