Eloise "Lois" Hill Obituary (1924 - 2017)

Eloise Claudine (Lois) Hill, 93, passed away Monday, December 18, 2017, in Prairie City. She was born September 1, 1924, in Hamilton, Oregon to Coleman Justice and Doris Sweek. She attended school in Monument, was active in plays, sports, and student body leadership and graduated a year early as valedictorian of her class in 1941. On August 31, 1946, she and Charles (Son) Hill were married. They enjoyed 60 years together on their ranches near Kimberly, Oregon. They worked hard with their cattle herd and growing hay. They also raised two children on the ranches, son George (Gus) and daughter Jean. Lois always had a big garden to help feed the family and canned fruit every summer from the Kimberly Orchards. She was a wonderful cook and bread maker. As a young girl, she helped feed large harvesting crews and learned the craft well. She cooked at the Monument Schools for 23 years, first as the assistant cook and later as the head cook until her retirement in 1998. She insisted on "cooking from scratch" and her recipes are still shared in the community. She was active in the 4-H program and extension service for many years in Grant County supporting her kids and scores of others. She later was called upon to judge food projects and exhibits at county fairs throughout the state which she enjoyed tremendously. Due to health issues with Son, Lois was his caregiver and constant companion during the last 10 years of his life. She enjoyed quilting with friends in the afternoons during Son's naps and loved the great fellowship of the Kimberly Bunco Club. The kindness and thoughtfulness of neighbors and friends in their care and concern of Lois and Son is cherished. Throughout her life Lois had her share of hardship and challenges. She met them with a sense of humor, a twinkle in her eye, and a resourcefulness and strength of character that positively impacted those around her. Lois touched numerous lives throughout her lifetime. She loved and is loved by many. Her kindness, caring and sweet, sweet smile will be greatly missed. She is survived by son George of Reno, NV, daughter Jean of Kimberly, OR, and sister Darlene Forrest of Monument, OR. Lois was very grateful for those who provided assistance in her care during the last several years. Many thanks to the staff of Blue Mountain Care Center and to Tina Ray and her family for your kind and loving care. Thank you to the individuals and organizations in the area who support the residents of the Care Center. Contributions may be made to Blue Mountain Care Center, Prairie City Senior Center, Monument Senior Center, Spray Ambulance and the Carrie Young Memorial through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd, John Day, OR. 97845 Blue Mountain Care Center241 S Canyon Blvd, John Day OR 97845Tel: 1-541-575-0529 Prairie City Senior Center241 S Canyon Blvd, John Day OR 97845Tel: 1-541-575-0529 Monument Senior Center241 S Canyon Blvd, John Day OR 97845Tel: 1-541-575-0529 Spray Ambulance241 S Canyon Blvd, John Day OR 97845Tel: 1-541-575-0529 Carrie Young Memorial241 S Canyon Blvd, John Day OR 97845Tel: 1-541-575-0529