Patricia Alice Hill
September 23, 1926 - January 28, 2012
Obituary
Loving wife and mother, passed peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Pat was born in St Peter, Minnesota on September 23, 1926 to Paul and Pearl (Ney) Schwarz. The Schwarz family moved to the Riverton area of South Seattle in 1942 with Pat driving the ’36 Dodge Flatbed double-clutching all the way. She graduated from Highline High School in 1944, took pilot lessons, worked for Boeing for a short time, and watched the last B-17 come off the assembly line. Pat was crowned Queen in the Miss South King County pageant in 1947 the same year she met Elbert Hill from Seattle and thought it might be a good idea to marry this guy. Things were pretty normal as the couple settled in Burien, Elbert working for Ma Bell and Pat tending the home. Then the three boys came along and domestic tranquility became in short demand. The family moved to the Farm in Des Moines in 1958 and anything resembling normalcy went flying out the window. High adventures ensued on the 5H farm (registered brand) such as chasing escaped steers in downtown Des Moines, shooting rats through the hen house roof, and mending the thousands of cuts, abrasions, and lacerations suffered by her sons. The family took uncountable hiking, fishing, and camping trips in the Olympics and Cascades, including packing horses in the Pasayten Wilderness which Pat dearly loved. As a mother she had no qualms about cutting the phone cord stretched across HER kitchen, breaking up brotherly fights in the house with doses of cold water or offering a kind shoulder to cry on. Pat was just as at ease at the annual hunting camp and could shoot and field-dress a mule deer with the best of them and then cook up a real mean camp stew.
A member of the Southgate Eastern Star, she and Elbert involved themselves with many community events such as riding in the Des Moines Waterland Parade in the horse and buggy; the Backcountry Horseman of Washington, the Pythian Sisters annual plant sale (showing off her green thumb talents) and volunteering for various events when asked or needed. Pat was a wonderful homemaker, mother, and wife with passions including gourmet cooking (although there was an on-going disagreement about her early ability to make pancakes), knitting (especially wool hats and socks), and enjoyed playing tennis. Her vibrant yet humble and engaging manner will be missed by all that knew her. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 64 years, Elbert, still on the farm; Sons Tom (and Linda) in Federal Way; John (and Janice) in Kettle Falls, WA; and Jim (and Heidi) in Auburn. Grandchildren are Stephen, Brian, Trisha, Kerry, Tealah, Jesse along with ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis Birge in Kent and brother, Paul Jr. (Chuck) Schwarz (and Doris) in Ellensburg. Goodbye Pat: Thanks for everything. Goodbye Mom: Nobody could have done it as good as you.
Hello, I didn’t know your mother, but just read her obituary in the paper. I like to read people’s stories and hear about their lives. She sounds like she was a wonderful person and you were fortunate to have her in your lives for so long. My truest sympathy to your family.
Elbert and Tom,
On behalf of the Puget Sound Knappers, let be express my sincere condolences at your profound loss. Joe Higgins, Jim Smith and myself, along with several other knappers received the sad news today at Ft Knapadonia where we gather each Wednesday.
At the request of several members of the Council of Elders who new Pat personally, I was asked to include news of her passing in the ‘In Memoriam’ section of our website.
Sincerely,
James C. Keffer
Puget Sound Knappers
I never knew Mrs. Hill other than saying hello to her and her husband as I would see them walking in Des Moines with their walking sticks. They were icons in Des Moines. I never played a softball game at Steven Underwood Park without thinking of the Hills. I often would see them on their farm, always working, and usually a horse was nearby. Their hard work was evident in the immaculate looks of the farm. Our prayers are with the family. May she rest in peace.
I wanted to share how much I and my family will miss Patricia. She was a warm and lovely woman who was never too busy to stop what she was doing to have a cup of coffee and chat with me when I stopped by to say hello. It was always fun to see her with her beloved horses or to see her face light up when she talked about her family. Her love for El and for her family shone through in all that she did and talked about.
El–our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Maureen
Love you Mom!
It’s been wonderful getting to know you!
Thanks for everything you have taught me. You are dear to my heart for always.
May you rest in God’s care ’til we meet again!
Lvu,
Janice
It sounds like your Mom lived a very full and wonderful life. We hope your great memories of her will help you through this sad time. Love to you John, Janice and family!
Peace to you and your family. May you find joy and comfort with your memories and with each other.
I grew up just a stones throw from your wonderful family. I remember playing ” kick the can” into the dark of night in your yard, swinging on that big ol’ tree swing, and always feeling welcomed by Pat. Her warmth went out into a huge circle that could easily be felt as she radiated with her welcoming smile, which was always her greeting card,
I have many happy memories of being on your family’s 5 acre horse farm. It was always a good feeling being around the Hill family.
To Pat’s family; As years passed, your Mom and Dad would trek up to the nursery and stroll around the garden center. Always a beautiful walking sticks in their hands, walking hand in hand often, laughing, and thoroughly enjoying their brisk stolls together. They would stop in to see us, we’d have a good short visit, and off they’d go. They brought a lift to any spirit, and your Mom’s good nature and good news always left us feeling uplifted when they would surprise us with one of their visits. When I think of your Mom I think of a wholesome old fashioned value system. Nature, outdoors, laughter, good times, and down to earth values. Growing up knowing Pat and Al, Tom, John and Jim was a blessing to those of us who knew them.
To Al, Tom, John, Jim and all your family–May good memories shower your days and years ahead.
Pat, you left a good mark on many lives, and I will cherish the happy memories you gave to me, and my family.