Irene Hill, 89, formerly of Pierce
Irene Hill, 89, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. On this day we lost a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was born to Simon and Agnes Ringsage on Aug. 31, 1924, in Potlatch. During her childhood, she was cared for by several relatives and friends in multiple locations. She returned to graduate from Pierce High School with her sister, Florene. After graduating, she waited tables in Lewiston and then, during World War II, she went to California where she helped build airplane parts. During the war, she met her soon-to-be husband and soul mate.
She married Gerald T. Hill on Oct. 24, 1945, in Lewiston. They lived in Lewiston until 1950 and then moved to Pierce. They returned to Lewiston in 1958, where they raised two children, Norman and Connie, along with an assortment of animals. She worked as a waitress at the Sixteen Inn and the Lewis-Clark Hotel until she sustained a knee injury in 1967.
In 1985, she lost her husband and soul mate of almost 40 years. She spent the years following his death making memories with her children and grandchildren and traveling to places that she always wanted to see. She enjoyed spending time outside gardening, fishing, camping and walking along the river. In her later years, she enjoyed getting to know her grandkids and great-grandkids. They were always her pride and joy. After moving to Lapwai in 2009, she enjoyed watching the wildlife and her daughter's Springer Spaniels, Hoss and Freckles, jumping in the tall grass trying to find each other.
She is survived by her sister, Pat Lou Sorenson; brother, Fred Brown and Carol; son, Norman Hill and wife, Sandy; daughter, Connie Oneal and husband, Raymond; her grandchildren, Becky Littke and husband, Matt, Steven Hill, Johanna Strehle and husband, Scott, Chrissy Garner and husband, Keith, Rachael Hill and Tim Oneal; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald Hill; her sister, Florene McManus; and numerous sisters- and brothers-in-law. Her family will remember her love and compassion for others.
My Mother
My mother is a woman like no other. She gave me life, nurtured me, taught me, dressed me, fought for me, held me, shouted at me, kissed me, but most importantly loved me unconditionally.
There are not enough words I can say to describe just how important my mother was to me and what a powerful influence she continues to be.
Mom I love you!
I cried when you passed away. I still cry today. Although I loved you dearly, I couldn't make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me that he only takes the best.
We as a family want to thank all of her special friends, nieces and nephews who have stood by her through the years. You meant so much to Mom!
At Irene's request, there are no services planned. Merchant Memorial Group is handling arrangements.
Transcribed by Michal Berreth-Beck, 2014