Hilda A. Wooldridge

Hilda Ann (Wilson) Wooldridge, 84, died June 8, 2023. She came into the world with the spring on April 19, 1939, in Leach, Oklahoma, marking a fitting beginning for a life defined by her warmth. She always recalled that among her happiest days were those spent as a child in Choteau, Oklahoma, where she passed her time traipsing after the yellow birds in the pastures and, as would become tradition, befriending neighbors and visitors alike. Then, when her family moved to Berryhill in time for her to start school, Hilda gained a love for the community that would be her home for the next 80 years and where she became a beloved second mother and grandmother to generations of Berryhill's families.

Hilda married her love, Richard Dale Wooldridge, on August 26, 1961, and together they raised two children who were her pride and joy. She always dreamed of having a big family, so she felt lucky to also provide a home to numerous babies in foster care. Hilda spent most of her career as an accountant, where she excelled as a mentor to many and, perhaps more importantly, as the mind behind many a group costume. She retired after the birth of her first granddaughter, and one of the greatest joys of her life was becoming "Gaga" to her 3 granddaughters, for whom she devoted herself to creating innumerable magical memories.

Hilda could often be found listening to an audio book and drinking a Pepsi, and a day never passed where she did not complete the Cryptoquote. Many days were also filled with adventures and, sometimes, schemes, carried out to the soundtrack of Elvis, which invariably ended in laughing so hard that our stomachs hurt. Hilda, above all, will be remembered for her heart and kindness. She never met a stranger and had a particular gift for storytelling, especially enjoying trading life stories with new friends. She was selfless, giving of herself to any who needed it, and it was important to her to give every month to St. Jude, the Shriner's Hospital, and the Little Light House, even if it meant that she would go without herself. Her presence brought a profound brightness to the world that will be forever missed.

Hilda was greeted in heaven by her parents Andy and Edna Wilson, siblings Jimmy Wilson and Claudia (Wilson) Washburn, and granddaughter Nicole Rust. She is survived by her husband of 62 years Richard Wooldridge, children Richard (Rick) Wooldridge, Jr. and wife Susie (Johnson) Wooldridge and Christine (Wooldridge) Edwards, grandchildren Audra Edwards and husband Jackson Stuteville and Emily Wooldridge and partner Landen Davis, great grandchildren Bobby and Rylen Davis, and "bonus" grandchildren Sophia Regalado and Phillip (Trey) Stephenson III. The family will receive friends at Dillon Funeral Home/Woodland Memorial Park in Sand Springs, OK from 2-4pm on Wednesday, June 14th to share memories and visit together. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to one of the causes Hilda held so dear.