Ned Hilborn

Ned Hilborn, of West Branch, Michigan, peacefully returned to his heavenly home on Friday December 19th, 2025 after living a full and meaningful life. He spent a brief period under hospice care and died quietly in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family.

Ned was born in Coldwater, Michigan, and was a longtime resident of Huron County, a place that always remained home in his heart.

Ned proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1969. During his service, he was stationed in foreign lands, including Hahn Air Force Base in Germany, where he served as a member of the 50th Air Police unit. He was later stationed at the Port Austin Air Base in Michigan, where he was the catcher for the U.S. Air Force fast-pitch baseball team. During one memorable game, Ned was struck so hard in the head that he was rendered unconscious and taken to the hospital. It was there that fate intervened, and he met the love of his life, Ellen Morgan, whom he married on July 16, 1966. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community.

Ned was a man of many interests and talents. He loved riding horses, playing baseball, watching westerns on television (for the horses of course!), and spending countless hours in his woodworking shop, creating with his hands. He lived life fully, and though there are far too many stories to capture in words, those who knew him will remember his big personality and deep love for his family.

Ned was a longtime member of the Free Methodist Church of Bad Axe, where faith and fellowship were important parts of his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ellen Hilborn; sons Gary Hilborn, Ken Hilborn, and Dave McPherson.

Ned is survived by his children: Chad (Kelly) Hilborn of West Branch, Michigan; Kathy (Jay) Nickels of Newago, Michigan; and Tracy (Robert) Boyd of Lake Havasu, Arizona. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Nick, Bryce (Sabrina), Kyle (Brianna), Rebecca (Brandon), Becky, and Michael (Katie), and four great-grandchildren, all of whom were a great source of pride and joy in his life.

In accordance with Ned’s wishes, the family will plan a celebration of life in the spring, a time for family and friends to gather and share their favorite stories and memories.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt and special thank you to the amazing staff of the Brook of West Branch retirement community and to Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care, kindness, and support during Ned’s final days.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com