Aldena 'Dena' Hildebrand, 88

Aldena "Dena" Elaine Hildebrand, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, and dear friend of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, was promoted to glory the evening of Jan. 4, 2025, while surrounded by her family singing "I'll Fly Away." She was born in Tillamook, Ore., on Aug. 9, 1936, to Carl and Katie Moffet. She was the eldest of four surviving siblings, two girls and two boys. Dena raised her children and then went to work outside the home. She served as a legal secretary for the Colville legal office and as a dispatcher for the Stevens County Department of Natural Resources, where she was featured on the cover of their forestry magazine. She also served as an English as a second language teacher in a yearlong forestry program in Kunming, China. After retirement, she spent her time golfing, quilting, traveling with friends and delighting in visits with her grandchildren. 

Dena enthusiastically cherished people, her church and activities. Her life was characterized by serving others and supporting worthy charities. She kept all the cards and letters that she received from friends and family, as she valued relationships highly. She traveled nationally and internationally with family and friends. She was thrilled to get to visit Scotland and claimed that her Scottish genes kept her looking young and she was tickled to have achieved 88 independent years of age while appearing many years younger, as noted by many who knew her. She maintained her sass when others attempted to treat her as elderly.

Dena is survived by her children, Cindy (Bruce) Mottern of Idaho, Deena (Keith) Holsinger of Mississippi, Carl (Juanitta) Pickens of Washington, Debbie Bridges of Washington and brother Lester Moffet of Texas, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren in addition to many very close friends whom she considered family. Dena was predeceased by her parents, Carl and Katie, her husband, Philip Hildebrand, and her daughter, Donna Parnel. 

A celebration of life for Dena will be held Saturday, June 21, at 1 p.m. at Hayden Bible Church, 290 E. Miles Ave., in Hayden, ID 83835, with Pastor Steve Massey officiating. In honor of Dena's Scottish heritage, please wear your favorite plaid and bring memories of Dena to share with her family. For further information, call 360-508-2163.