Hilda Carder

Hilda Jane Carder, 85, of Ashtabula, Ohio, passed away on January 9, 2026, at Meadow Falls Senior Living, where she had been lovingly cared for. Jane was born on June 17, 1940, in Elkins, West Virginia, to Rudolph and Hilda Heckel and graduated from Elkins High School. She was raised in West Virginia and later made her home in Ashtabula, Ohio, where she spent many years surrounded by family and friends. On July 5, 1958, in Elkins, West Virginia, Jane married the love of her life, James R. Carder. Together they shared many years of marriage until his passing. Jane remained devoted to her family throughout her life. Jane worked as a nurse’s aide and was employed at Lakewood Hospital, where she worked in instrument sterilization. She took pride in her work and in caring for others. She enjoyed crafts and creative hobbies and was known as someone who was a joy to be around. Jane’s strong Catholic faith was central to her life and helped guide her through both joyful and difficult times. She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Jane is survived by her children: Terry Kotnik (Ken), Jim Carder (Carol), Becky Starcher (Rod), Jerry Carder (Ellen), and Craig Carder; grandchildren, David Miller, Devan Miller, Avery Rucker, Nikki Brooks, Brandy Carder, Jade Carder, Andrew Carder, Rod Starcher, Mandi Tubbs, Jeri Lowe, Samantha Mast, Shanna Miller, Ryan Carder, Cameron Carder, Megan Carder, and Craig Carder; as well as 36 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Tom Heckel, Lois Ann Pratt, Mary Delaney, Carolyn Symanski, David Heckel, and Danny Heckel. In addition to her husband James, Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Hilda Heckel; grandson, Brandon Carder; and siblings, Richard Heckel, Kitty Echaltz, and Debbie Williams. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Chapel Hill Venue, Austinburg Road, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at Meadow Falls for their love, care, and support over the past year. Hilda was deeply loved and will be remembered for her kindness, faith, and the love she gave so freely to her family. Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, assisted the family with arrangements. (440) 361-2273. www.LakeErieCrematory.com

Hilda Carder

June 17, 1940 - January 9, 2026