Philip Donald Hill, 81 years of age, Mosby, Montana, passed away suddenly on Monday, January 19, 2015, on the ranch where he had lived his entire life. Phil was born September 4, 1933, in Billings, Montana, to Lou Eldon and Margaret “Mugs” Irene (Youderian) Hill, the third of four children. He attended Weede School, a one-room country school, for his elementary education, and graduated from Winnett High School with the class of 1952. He retold stories of his school pranks and high school sports, holding his early friends in high esteem. He helped his dad on the ranch growing up and began a partnership with Lou after high school that continued until Lou retired. His early hero was his mother’s only brother Eugene Youderian of Lincoln, MT, with whom he spent his 19th birthday and 10 days of fishing and packing into the mountains. They rode horseback over harrowingly narrow paths where they untied the string of horses to let them each pick a path and not risk one horse taking the entire string over the edge of the mountain.
The summer of 1953 Phil met the love of his life when Delores LaVerne Lindquist spent a week teaching Daily Vacation Bible School at the Mosby Community Hall. He and his best friend Don McGiboney rode horses across the river to meet Delores; she noticed his custom-made boots with his name tooled in leather and they quickly developed an easy friendship. Phil committed his life to God at Lewtana Camp in July, and they were married at Emmaus Evangelical Free Church, Funk, Nebraska, on December 30, 1953. To this union five children were born: Lynda, Sandra, Gary, Scott, and Kevin. Phil and Delores spent their first winter living in a teacherage at Steve’s Fork, Montana, where Delores taught three students in a one-room school. They moved to the ranch that summer, where they built their dreams and raised their family. Phil was a charter member of First Baptist Church in Winnett, Montana, where he served as a trustee and deacon. His faith grew throughout his life, and his greatest joy was fellowship with friends and family. Phil was elected to Garfield District 42 school board and served on state special education, veterinary, and grass boards; he served on the Montana Republican Executive Committee and two terms as a Garfield County Commissioner. He was a 4-H leader in Garfield County for more than 25 years. Phil and Delores opened their new ranch home as a bed and breakfast in 2000, where they claimed friends became family. After busy autumn hunting season each year, they would attend National Rodeo Finals as season ticket holders. Phil loved horses, Angus cattle, sheep, and especially bonded with ranch dogs and their French poodle Copper. His easy laugh and constant teasing endeared him to all who were privileged to call him dad, grandpa, uncle, or friend.
Besides his parents, Phil was preceded in death by his older brother Lynn Evert; his sister Sally in infancy; his son Gary Ray; his father and mother-in-law Elmer and Ruth Lindquist; his brother-in-law Clinton Woodford; niece Margaret Mae Sinclair Johnson and nephew James Lynn Sinclair.
He leaves to mourn his passing his wife of 61 years and constant companion, Delores; two daughters: Lynda and her husband Rev. Dr. Terry Johnston of Alexis, IL, and Sandi and her husband Kevin Ericson of Funk, NE; two sons: Scott and his wife Lynette of Abilene, KS, and Kevin and his wife Gala of Mosby, MT; ten grandchildren and two adopted, seven great-grandchildren; one sister: Louanne Hill Woodford, and host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The door was always open and there was always room for more around the table at the Hill home. All were considered special, including John Killian, Sue Kipp Benhardus, Joe Holliman, and Don Sinclair, who were considered adopted kids.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015, from 1-7 P.M. at Stevenson’s Chapel in Jordan, MT, with family greeting from 4-6 P.M. Funeral services for Philip Donald “Phil” Hill will be held at the Winnett High School Gymnasium in Winnett, Montana, on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. David Iverson officiating. Stevensons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A memorial has been established in Phil’s honor and kindly suggested to First Baptist Church of Winnett, MT, or a charity of choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday January 23, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, MT 59337
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 23, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, MT 59337
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 24, 2015
Winnett High School Gymnasium
Winnett, MT 59087
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday January 23, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, MT 59337
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday January 23, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, MT 59337
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 24, 2015
Winnett High School Gymnasium
Winnett, MT 59087
Shelley Fogle says
I am so sorry for your loss. May GOD wrap his loving arms around you at this very very sad and difficult time. Keeping all of Phil’s family in my prayers.
Clarence & Radie Clayton says
Delores, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. We continue to treasure the many memories that your family and us were able to enjoy. God continue to bless you.
Jo Coldwell Smith says
Delores and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing, may God give you all strength during this difficult time. I will always treasure the many wonderful memories and life lessons learned I have working with Phil during my 4-H years.
Always in my Thoughts and Prayers ~ Jo
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Our deepest sympathy to your family..
GARY AND PAT HELM says
DELORES AND FAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT PHIL. OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU. HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. GOD BLESS AND MAY HIS HANDS CARRY YOU THIS TIME OF SORROW.LOVE YA
Elisa and Gerard Murnion says
Dear Delores, Kevin, Gala and family, we are so sorry to hear about Phil. We are praying for God’s comfort. We are thankful we knew him, and pray that you can take comfort in your many wonderful memories.
Much love,
Gerard and Elisa
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Delores and family you are in our thoughts and prayers May you find comfort in all of your Great memories and In Gods Love. Phil was a pillar in the county and will be missed by all.
J.D. and Mary Alice Murnion says
Delores and family,
I was sorry to hear the news that Phil had gone home, It is so difficult to lose the one yoou love so much. Treasure the memories of a life well lived. He will be missed by many. May God’s peace be with you all.
Mary Alice Murnion
Teddy Robertson says
Dear Delores and family,
My heart breaks with you. All you have to do is receive the love and hugs from all of us knowing you don’t won’t need to utter a word and that your not alone. Just know that tears are liquid prayer my friend.My love and prayers are with you all. Teddy
Becky Thurman says
I wish I could be there. We will all miss Phil so much! Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and comfort in wonderful memories….
Becky
Jack Shawver says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Phil,s families at this sad time. Phil was a great friend and will be sadly missed.
Dan & Marge (Price) Langworthy says
Delores and family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Some of our fondest memories are of being with the Hills at Mosby.
Tanja Fransen says
I met Phil when he was county commissioner and we were trying to get the NOAA weather radio in at Jordan. He and Brent gave me a ton of crap, both with a twinkle in thier eye. I can’t count the numver of times I’ve spoken to he and Delores about the weather conditions at the ranch. He never got too excited about the weather, he was truly a seasoned rancher, but he always gave a great report. I’m saddened to hear of his passing, and send my deepest sympathy to Delores and the rest of the family.
Tanja Fransen
NWS Glasgow
Bill and Candy Loehding says
Our deepest sympathy to Delores and all the family. We enjoyed getting to know Phil thru Montana Grass Commission and also as County Commissioner. He always had a friendly smile and we appreciated his friendship. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bill and Candy Loehding, Ekalaka
Kendra Kahnke says
There are now words that can describe the loss you all are feeling right now. Our loss is heaven’s gain and I take comfort in knowing that we all will meet again. I always enjoyed visiting with Phil. Prayers for all of you…
Betty Kinyoun says
Tho I did not know Mr. Hill, I have loved all the Youderian family from Lincoln most of my life and would like to extend my condolences.
Mike and Sherri Grubbs says
Delores and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. May your wonderful memories comfort and sustain you.
LEON & JANET SYLVESTER says
Delores and family~
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. I’m so glad you made it to KS in December and we could see you and Phil and catch up for a bit. All of your family are in our prayers.
Leon & Janet Sylvester, Wamego, KS
Martha Benhardus says
Delores,
My sympathy for your loss. I count it a privilege to have known Phil. You are all in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Martha Benhardus
Judy Schoch says
Delores,
Dick and are so sorry to hear about Phil. May God hold you and your family in His arms and give you comfort.
Dick and Judy Schoch
Steve and Beth Hinebauch says
Delores, We were saddened to hear of Phil’s passing. We first met years ago at a Republican State Convention and always looked for you at the conventions since. We always knew that you and Phil had the same goal as we did–keeping Montana the best place in the country to raise our families. We pray you will be comforted by all the wonderful memories you and Phil shared over your many years together.
Steve and Beth Hinebauch
Brenda Janis says
I know my cousin Rhonda has already corrected me on the title I gave to Phil. Both him and Delores have always been an Aunt and Uncle to me, even though they are cousins. Aunt and Uncle seem a little more endearing to me. The times that my family and the Hill family got together were always special. Being in Terry and Lynda’s wedding and enjoying their ranch that one HOT summer will always be etched in my mind. Riding horses off into the horizon only to find out that none of us could stop them! One, two, three, four, we all bailed and flew off of them! Poor Rhonda landing on a cactus. And then me sitting in their bathtub afterwards barely breathing due to an allergic reaction to horses and not a doctor for miles. Feeling LOVED and accepted, as well as always feeling welcomed in the Hill family homes is something I will always cherish. Uncle Phil I didn’t know you as well as most people do, but I will always remember your smile, your cowboy hat and boots, and your BIG cars you always drove when you’d come to Nebraska. You and Aunt Delores have left an amazing Christian heritage to your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Well done, faithful servant!
I wish that we could all be there, but just know your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We shall see you again when we all meet in Heaven!
Cindy Stanton says
Delores & family,
My sincerest sympathy for your loss. I enjoyed Phil immensely and feel lucky to have known him. May you find comfort in God and in knowing Phil’s was truly a life well lived.
Janet Sherer says
Delores and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Phil. Pease accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. We will miss him a lot. Hugs to you and your family.
MeriEsther Moring says
Delores and family, Extending our sympathy in this time of loss. Prayers for your family as you adjust to his home-going.
John and Pat Iverson says
Phil was probably the first “real” cowboy I ever knew. It was amazing to me how far he and Delores lived from a “real town”. There was never a time in driving down to our family’s cabin on Hell Creek in the ’70’s that I did not think of them, since we always drove right by their road. Phil was full of fun and had an easy way about him. Delores, your devotion to this man and to the ranch you call “home” has been amazing. Your kids have been friends, especially as we gathered for the “after church water skiing parties” at Petrolia. You have both worked hard, played hard, and loved well … Not only your beautiful family, but the Lord Jesus. It has shown everywhere you have been. May our Lord surround you and your family with His comfort at this time of great loss!
Kelly and Darwin Rowton says
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family! We know and pray that God’s promises to us will give you peace at this time! May you feel his peace that surpasses all human understanding!
Marilyn and Leroy delger says
We have great memories of Phil! He was always so friendly and brought joy to those around him. Sandy, we have so many great memories of the time you spent with us! Wish we could be there with you and your family! Love to you all!
Diana & Calvin Thomas says
Delores & Family
We are so sorry to hear about Phil. We are sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort you at this time of great loss.
Diana
Melissa Youderian says
Nothing but good memories whenever we stopped to visit–a must during the antelope hunt. Such a warm and welcoming home and Phil was such a wise man with a bit of a twinkle in his eye. He will be missed.
Missy
RHONDA HANSEN says
COUSIN PHILL (BY MARRAIGE TO DELORES) WAS ALWAYS FUN TO LISTEN TO AND HE MOST DEFINITELY A VERY CAREING MAN TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM AS WELL EVEN ALL FAMILY MEMBERS PHIL WILL BE GREATLY MISSED! BUT WE ALL ARE REJOICING THAT HE IS WITH IS HEAVENLY FATHER AND SEEING ALL WHO WENT BEFORE HIM AND HE IS WALKING WITH GARY RIGHT NOW!!!!
Taylor Brown says
One could not ask for a better neighbor, nor a more loyal friend than Phil has been to our family since we moved to Calf Creek fifty-five years ago. What a hole he will leave in our community, and in our hearts. From our 4-H leader to our School Board to County Commission to Republican Central committee, Phil and Delores have been mentors to me and to the Brown family from almost the first day we met.
Cindy Frey (Hansen) says
Dear “Aunt” Delores and family… I am, just like Brenda admitting to our relational correction. As a little kid I always thought you were my Aunt and Uncle, because your kids were my cousins. You will always be that in my heart. Since Rhonda is my sister and a bit into genealogy I have know of this correction, but unwilling to change how I address you. I have always loved Uncle Phil’s big heart and love for God, love for his wife and family, his hearty laugh and work ethics. Their is a void in your hearts with him gone, yet the hope of reuniting with him again in heaven for you do not “grieve like the rest of men who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13b). You will miss him for he was a huge part of your lives. Some days more than others, but our God knows your hurts and stands ready to comfort you. Love you all and will be praying for you! Cindy for the Frey clan
Daniel E. (Gene) and Gloria Price says
We send our deepest sympathy to Dolores and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so glad I made many trips from the east to visit with Phil and family over the years. I took my grandchildren to see where the ranch was and Phil really impressed them by making the trip well worth it. We will miss him.
Gene
Bob Lenemann says
Mary Jane and I were so sad to hear of Phil’s passing. Phil was a great guy and someone I felt privileged to know. I am so glad I got to see you both at the last reunion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bob
Shawn Hooker says
Delores, Kevin, Gala and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Phil. He was one of a kind and definitely was a positive influence on my childhood. He had such a positive impact on any person that was in 4-H and I have many great memories. You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Shawn
Terry Lee Hooks says
To Delores and the Hill Family, I did not know that Phil had passed, living in South Florida now, I adopted Phil and Delores as my Montana, mom and pop, I stayed with then and had many Memories of The Antelope hunts each year.Phil will be missed dearly, all the cowboy stories he would tell around the dinner table will stay with me the rest of my life, God Bless Phil and Delores Hill, Your Forever Friend, Terry Lee Hooks