Cynthia Gunderson Hilton

Cynthia Gunderson Hilton, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away on March 19, 2025, after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 75 years old.

Born on August 12, 1949, Cynthia was a lifelong resident of Raytown, Missouri. She attended school there from kindergarten through high school, graduating from Raytown High School in 1967. She then pursued higher education at the University of Missouri-Columbia before transferring to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she completed an undergraduate degree in French. During her time there, she met John Hilton IV, over coffee at Haag Hall Annex. The two married in October of 1971, beginning a marriage of 53 years and welcoming their daughter Tara Hilton Baker in 1977.

Cynthia dedicated her life to education, touching countless lives both as a teacher and administrator. She began her career teaching French and Spanish at Raytown High, working under her former principal. She then transitioned to Pittman Hills Middle School, now Raytown Middle School, where she continued to inspire countless students. She often said middle school was her favorite age to teach. Cynthia went on to serve as the Special Education Coordinator for Raytown School District, a role in which she not only advocated for students but also brought joy to her colleagues. In the 23 years she served in this position, not a holiday or season went by without her desk being adorned with a matching Beanie Baby, a reflection of her warmth, playfulness, and love for small, thoughtful details. These touches brightened the days of all those around her.

She later spent another eight years working from home for both Raytown and Raymore-Peculiar school districts while she helped raise her two grandchildren. With over four decades in education, Cynthia’s legacy lives on in the many students and colleagues she mentored and supported.

A woman of many passions, Cynthia loved animals, music, and the arts. She had a special fondness for French culture and the works of Barbra Streisand. She found joy in flowers, Chihuly glass, and the color red. Her love of travel was shared with family and friends. Though she and John were not deeply religious, they found comfort in their Episcopal faith and enjoyed attending Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City during the holiday season.

Cynthia is survived by her husband John Hilton IV; her loving daughter Tara Hilton Baker (husband Kevin Overfelt), who took after her in dedication to education; and her cherished grandchildren, Addison Kate Baker and Tate Hilton Baker. She also leaves behind her brother, Grant Gunderson, and a host of friends, former colleagues, and students who will remember her kindness, intelligence, and impact.

In keeping with her wishes, Cynthia was cremated and her ashes will be interred at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. There will be no formal services, but a celebration of life will be held by her daughter with further information to come.

In honor of Cynthia’s love for animals, the family requests that donations be made to the Kansas City Zoo. 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132 in lieu of flowers. Donations will go towards a zoo plaque in Cynthia’s honor.