Gary and Diana (Ward) Hill

Heaven gained two very special angels last week. Gary Hill passed away on December 9, 2020 and Diana Hill, the love of his life, joined him in Heaven the following day on December 10, 2020, due to complications with Covid-19.

Gary Denton Hill was born on July 19, 1950 in Nampa, ID to Duane and Dorothy (Cole) Hill. Gary was the second eldest of six children. Gary grew up in Sweet, ID and graduated from Emmett High School. During his high school years, he was part of a band.  He also played guitar with his two brothers, Mike and Randy since 1962, playing at dances and old Fort Boise Days.

Diana Kay Hill was born on September 15, 1949 in Twin Falls, ID to Wayne and Donna (Wigington) Ward. She was the only daughter and best big sister to three younger brothers. Diana was raised in a railroad family where they were frequently required to relocate.  Consequently, she grew up in various cities throughout the states of Utah and Idaho and ultimately graduated from Twin Falls High School.  After which, she went on to receive specialized training through her work at the FBI in Washington DC and Louisville, KY before returning to Idaho in 1973.

Gary and Diana’s first date was a double date at a bowling alley, which was set up by Gary’s best friend, Pete.  It was from this date that a beautiful and committed life-long love developed between Gary and Diana.  Gary not only chose to marry Diana, but her two-year old little girl, Michelle, as well. The three became a family on September 13, 1975.  In 1977, they completed their family with the birth of their son Ryan.  While raising two kids, Gary graduated from Lewis Clark State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.  After living in several different places, they finally settled in Nampa, ID in 1989.

Gary had a long and fulfilling career at Edmark Chevrolet (in Nampa, ID), where he was highly respected and liked by customers, coworkers, and the community.  After retiring from the car-sales industry, he spent seven years of his life driving a school bus for special-needs children.  This was something Gary enjoyed immensely as he held a special place in his heart for these kids.  Over the years Gary enjoyed many family get-togethers and playing guitar with his brothers; he also loved puzzles, photography, Boise State Football, and old cars, especially Chevys.

Diana managed Dr. Ballenger’s office for two decades, where she met her dear friend and special sister, Bonnie.  Over the last eight years of her life, she worked part-time at DL Evans Bank, which allowed her to spend more time loving and enjoying her family.  Diana loved HUGGING, scrapbooking, church, bible study, taking pictures of family and coffee dates with her friends.

Gary and Diana were an amazing couple with a strong love for each other and family.  In 2003, they became grandparents to Danae Michelle Dotson. From that moment on, their lives changed forever and they embraced being Mama and Papa.  In 2009 they were blessed with two more grandchildren: Isaac Scott Dotson and Brea Emerson Hill, which touched their lives even more.  Fond memories of being Mama and Papa include: sleepovers, frosting sugar cookies at Christmas, family vacations, Wild Rose Park and too many other fun adventures to be able to mention.  Gary and Diana loved The Lord so much and committed to living their life through Christ to be shining examples for their grandchildren. This led to an extra special bond with Danae and Isaac.

Gary and Diana also had a close relationship with Rick and Marilyn Padour.  Not only were Gary and Rick cousins, they became more like brothers.  Diana and Marilyn also became special friends as the four of them enjoyed day trips around Idaho and eating at places off the beaten path. 

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bob Hill and nephew, Christopher Hill.  He is survived by his older sister, Maryanne Knutson as well as his brothers: Randy (Loree) Hill, Mike (Faye) Hill and Carl (Mary) Hill.

Diana is preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her three brothers: Will (Vonna) Ward, Larry (Debbie) Ward and Gary Ward.  

They are both survived by their children Michelle (Sam) Dotson, Ryan (Harla) Hill, and three grandchildren Danae (17), Isaac (11) and Brea (11), along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.  Gary is also survived by a son, Andy McKean and his family.

Michelle and Sam would like to extend a “special thank-you” to all the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital in Nampa, ID for the loving care they extended to my parents and our family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the Crossroads Community Church, Nampa.  A private burial will then be held at the Sweet-Montour cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel.  An online guestbook is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com.

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