Hildegard ‘Hilda’ Gertrude Shewbart, 95, passed away peacefully Feb. 6, 2026, at Azria Health in Great Bend, Kan. She was born Nov. 22, 1930, in Rural Stafford County to Erich and Hedwig (Hupe) Fruehauf. She married Richard F. Shewbart March 12, 1950, in Stafford county. He passed away Jan. 11, 1987.

Hilda moved to Great Bend after graduating high school and went to work for Southwestern Bell as a switchboard operator for almost 60 years. She retired when the business was sold to AT&T in January 2006. Hilda was a member of Peace Church. She was very social and loved to spend time with her friends whether on the phone or meeting up for a luncheon. 

Survivors include sister, Eleanora Putnam of Searcy, Ark.; sister-in-law, Kay Freuhauf of Hutchinson; brother-in-law, Barney Humphrey; niece, Jody Gray; nephew, Randy Brewer; great nephews, Donald Beeler, Duane Spears, and Tracy Spears. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of 36 years; sister, Anneliese Ward; and brother, Adalbert Fruehauf.

Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at Peace Church Cemetery in Hudson, with Reverend Dr. David Hales presiding. Visitation will be available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to Peace Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.