Georgianna Hileman, 82, of North Manchester, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, February 20, 2026, at Peabody Healthcare Center. She was born on May 22, 1943, in Wabash County to Herbert and Betty (Kilander) Gaerte.
On June 14, 1959, she married the love of her life, Michael H. Hileman, in Wabash County. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, devotion, and family. In 1981, Georgianna and Mike began operating Gaunt & Son Asphalt, a business they poured their energy into side by side.
Georgianna was a woman who didn’t need to be the loudest in the room to make an impact; but was generally the wittiest, always with a quick response, and ready to crack a joke. She was steady, thoughtful, and observant—someone who found joy in simple, meaningful things. She loved being outdoors, especially when she could feel the warm Florida sun on her face during beach visits. You could generally find her tending to her vegetable garden or mowing her yard. She was also an avid reader, always with a book nearby.
One of her most unique passions was collecting salt and pepper shakers. What started as a small interest grew into a true hobby, complete with conventions she looked forward to attending. Each set she collected held a story, a memory, or a moment that made her smile.
But nothing brought Georgianna more happiness than her family. She treasured every visit, every conversation, every laugh shared with her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. They were the heart of her world, and she loved them deeply.
She is survived by her daughter, Lorie (Mark) Sorg of North Manchester; her grandchildren, Michael (Jayme) Sorg and Anthony (Kelli) Sorg of Wabash, Derrek (Margaret) Sorg of Silver Lake, and Scarlett (Andrew) Beneturski of Crown Pointe; and eleven great‑grandchildren — Addison, Mackey, Bode, Elijah, Wiley, Harrison, Maddox, Brock, Caisley, Anna, and George—each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. She is also survived by her siblings, Sherry (Rod) Hicks of Colorado, Joe (Gaye) Gaerte, and Trudy (Jim) Rule of North Manchester.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Mike; her daughter, Kristine Cantrell; and her brother, Junior Gaerte.
Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester. Friends may call 4-7 pm Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is Wabash County Cancer Society.
The memorial guest book for Georgianna may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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