Michelle Lynn Hilst Obituary

Michelle Lynn Hilst, 54, of Pekin, peacefully passed away at 11:59 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2024 at home surrounded by her family and friends. God has called home one of his beautiful angels.

Born February 27, 1969 in Peoria, she was the daughter of Michael Scott and Trody Jean (Shults) Butler.

Surviving are her father and step-mother, Michael and Elsa Butler of Pekin; three sons and the pride and joy of her life, Brandon (Jessica Clanin) Hilst of Peoria, Arizona, Bryce (Kaydi Steele) Hilst of Springfield and Brady Hilst of Belleville; her life partner of 14 years, John Malavolti of Pekin; her maternal grandmother, Wanda Lutke of Pekin; her stepfather, Danny E. Taylor of Pekin; one sister, Marcie Butler of Pekin; three nieces, Abigail Butler, Tiffani (Kaleb) Otey and Joslyn Peterson; two nephews, Hayes Peterson and Moya Rossi; four stepbrothers, L.J. (Dawn) Rossi, III of Morton, Anthony (Tiffany) Rossi of Urbana, Jesse (Michelle) Taylor of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and Michael (Denise) Taylor of Pekin and two stepsisters, Therese (Jeremie) Tilley of Crawfordsville, Florida and Lisa (Troy) Mitchell of Rolla, Missouri. Michelle’s former husband, Rodney Hilst of Pekin also survives.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Trody Jean Taylor on November 6, 2005 and one brother, Matthew Scott Butler on April 27, 2005.

Michelle was a 1987 graduate of Pekin Community High School, where she played girls’ basketball and enjoyed playing intramural volleyball. She then earned her Associate’s Degree at Western Illinois University.

Michelle was a faithful employee of CEFCU for the past 28 years and was the current Branch Manager of the East Peoria office. She previously worked for Herget Bank in Pekin.

She was an active member of the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce and was a member of their Board of Directors. Michelle was actively involved with breast cancer awareness including Bikers for Ta-Tas (BFTT) and the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure. She was a member of Pekin Women of the Moose Chapter 673.

Michelle loved spending time with her family and friends, mowing her yard, bird watching, enjoying the sunshine and a good bonfire. She was a great friend to many and loved to travel, especially her annual trip to Naples and frequent trips to wine country in California. She also loved champagne Sundays. Her mere presence would light up any room and she was always the life of the party – especially when she performed “Sweet Child of Mine” which was often. Michelle has always had an uplifting and bubbly personality that always left people better than she found them.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin and attended St. Joseph Catholic School growing up.

Her funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 16, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral Mass. Private inurnment will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “We Fight with Michelle” with checks made payable to Michelle Hilst FBO and mailed to CEFCU, 3515 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.