Helen Jane Hill

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Helen Jane. Hill, 91, passed away on February 26, 2017, in Centerfield, Utah, surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born May 28, 1925, in Gunnison, Utah. She was the daughter of George Byron Knighton and Ordell Coates Knighton. Helen was a graduate of Gunnison Valley High School, Class of 1943. Helen married her eternal sweetheart, Lester James Hill, July 27, 1944, in the Manti Temple. Together they raised five children in the Gunnison Valley. Mom was very active in the LDS Church, Legion Auxiliary, and community service. She worked as a cook in the hospital, and also worked in the local parachute factory during World War II. Many friends and family members benefitted from her amazing cooking talents and candy-making skills. But most importantly, she was a compassionate loving wife, mother and homemaker for her family. Helen will always be remembered as a giver. She was constantly giving and sharing her time and talents with others, especially people who were less fortunate. She was very determined to make sure that people did not go without. Throughout Mom’s life, she has loved to have fun with her family and friends. The family camping trips, the hundreds of ballgames, the square dancing, the card games, and the hunting and fishing trips all hold unforgettable memories. Until the last few months, Mom was part of a ladies’ club that met and played cards twice a month. She loved playing games with all of her family and especially her grandchildren. Mom will be remembered as the ultimate “giver.” Those who visited her home or the care center would always be offered something. Helen is survived by her five loving children: Danny and Mary Hill of Mayfield; Rita Kay Hill Sorenson of San Diego, California; David and Diane Hill of Centerfield; Donald and Denise Hill of Gunnison; and Dale and Sonja Hill of Gunnison. Helen leaves behind a great posterity of 27 Grandchildren, 57 Great-grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her husband: Lester James Hill, a sister Beulah Knighton Mollerup, and a brother Byron Keith Knighton. The family would like to express sincere appreciation for the love and care of the staff at the Mission at Community Living Center in Centerfield where she has spent the last 21 months and to Dr. Dwight Inouye and Dr. Wade Anderson for their medical care. Thank you so much for taking such good care of our mother. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 11:00 am, in the Centerfield LDS Church. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Gunnison City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.