Richard 'Rich' Hilgers, 66, passed away December 20, 2023, at his home.  He was born October 13, 1957, in Salina, KS, to James Richard Hilgers and Elizabeth Anne (DeMurry) Hilgers.

Rich was a 1976 graduate of Trego Community High School in WaKeeney, KS.  On February 20, 1982, he married Janet Siegrist at the Salem Community Church in rural Nickerson, KS.  They shared over 41 years of marriage.

A lifelong farmer, Rich was a 'jack-of all trades', always finding ways to supplement his farming income for his family. He held many different jobs, including working in the oilfield, helping to build the Cargill grain elevator in Trego County, and as a self-employed fence builder, among many others. Some of his and his family's favorite memories were long days in the pasture building fence or riding in the combine or on the drill. Rich never met a stranger and always tried to help anyone who needed it. He will always be remembered for his smile, his generosity, and constant and steady love and pride in his family.

Rich is survived by:  his wife, Janet Hilgers of Sterling, KS; children, Julie (Shamus Partain) Hanschu of McPherson, KS, Randy Hilgers of WaKeeney, KS, and Ricky (Cindy) Hilgers of Ogallah, KS; grandchildren, Ben Hanschu, Eve Hanschu, Leigha Hilgers, Lucas Hilgers, Eli Hilgers, Owen Hilgers, and Alayna Hilgers; siblings, Anna (Scotty) Schneider of Hays, KS, and Doug Hilgers of Murfreesboro, TN; sister-in-law, Jennifer (Bill) Scofield of Wichita, KS; aunt, Susan (Ed) Weigel of Plainville, KS; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by:  his parents; grandparents; and sister, Nancy Hilgers Gilliland.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Ogallah Christian Church, 305 Centre Street, Ogallah, KS.  Burial will follow in the Morlan Township Cemetery, Palco, KS.  Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ogallah Christian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.