Elia Hilda Salazar, 78, of Galesburg, died at 8:51 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born July 2, 1946, in Laredo, Texas, the daughter of Guadalupe and Maria “Lupe” (Hurtado Hernandez) Cruz. Hilda married Praxedis Salazar on September 11, 1967, in Laredo, Texas. He preceded her in death on September 18, 2015. She worked as a CNA for over 30 years working at various local nursing homes. Hilda also enjoyed doing volunteer work at hospitals, local restaurants, and she was an interpreter for anyone in the Spanish speaking community.
Left to cherish her memory is one son, Praxedis G. (Alicia) Salazar of Topeka, Kansas; two daughters, Irma M. (Samuel) Garcia of Galesburg and Elia H. Salazar of Topeka, Kansas; 11 grandchildren: Raphael V. Garcia, Cristian S. Garcia, David V. Garcia, Lucas B. Garcia, Isabel M. Salazar, P. Gabriel Salazar, Angel Kizzire, Alejandro R. (Kayla) Martinez, Armando P. (Marie) Martinez, Natalia Marcelo, and Liliana Marcelo ; 8 great grandchildren: Juan M. Martinez, Santiago A. Martinez, Cesar A. Martinez, Sebastian Martinez, Frankie R. Martinez, Jordan L. Nigus, Tristan E. Gardenhire, Braxton A Gardenhire. Also surviving are two brothers, Sergio Cruz and Juan (Martha) Cruz, both of Galesburg; one sister, Irma (Roberto) Cerda of Laredo, Texas; one half-brother, Gilberto (Jenny) Cruz; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Praxedis Salazar; a grandson, Milagro M. Salazar, and half-brother Leonel Cruz.
Hilda was of the Christian faith and a member of the Winds of Mercy Ministries in Galesburg. She loved spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids. She enjoyed helping the less fortunate and was always willing to lend a hand. Hilda was best known for her crafting and her creativity. Hilda will be lovingly remembered for her sociable and bubbly personality. She will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. The funeral will be at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Robert Malone will officiate. Cremation will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Galesburg Rescue Mission or to Bridgeway. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
