Sondra Hilker

After several days of heartache and sadness, we share the news of the passing of our beloved mother, Sondra D. Hilker, 78, of Diamond, MO.

She passed away at Joplin Gardens on December 17, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was the center of our world, a dedicated mother; our rock whom we could lean on. Words cannot convey how much she is and will be missed.

Our mom was born April 29, 1946, to Ardella and Elmer Lawson. She came from a large family. She was one of 9 children. Her fondest memories were growing up in Verona, MO, with her brothers and sisters. She married our dad, George Ottendorf, and from that union came 4 kids. After his passing, she went on to marry our stepfather, Larry Hilker, who helped her raise us until his death in 1997.

Our mother was known for her strong work ethic, retiring from La-Z-Boy after 36 years, only to go back to work at Walmart for another 10 years to have something to do. She always wanted to retire on the beach somewhere.

Her final years were spent bravely battling dementia with her family by her side. Those were precious days for us. She believed in God and looked forward to seeing her heavenly family. She was certain we would all be together again one day.

She is survived by her daughters, Sherry Castor, Michelle Ottendorf, Connie Tanner, and her son, George James Jr. Ottendorf. She had 9 grandchildren, Kyle, Carrie, Conner, Jessica, Justin, Tosha, Jazmyn, Hayden, Gracie, and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Darlene Cox, Carolyn Forrester, and Della Housh. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, John Lawson, Bob Lawson, Don Lawson, and her sisters, Norma Warner and Karron Beck.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Joplin Gardens and Regional Hospice for their incredible care and compassion towards our mother in her final days.

We are honoring our mother’s final wish to be cremated. Graveside services will be held at a later date.