Emma Jeanne Hill

Emma Jeanne Hill, of Independence, was born on the 4th of July 1918, a true Yankee-Doodle-Dandy, as she used to call herself. Emma had a certain spark and zeal for life.

Born on the East Coast, she spent most of her life on Long Island, New York. She met and married a Scotsman, William Ross Hill Sr. and they had a son, William Ross Hill, Jr. An adventurer at heart, she liked to take her family on road trips from Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, Emma was always up for the drive.
A pet-lover, she always had a faithful dog by her side, including her cherished German Shepherds, Barbie and Thor. When Emma's son moved with his family to Puerto Rico, she and her husband joined. They later settled in Oregon in the community of Independence. When her dear husband died, Emma bravely forged a new path for herself, becoming active in state politics. She campaigned at the Oregon state capitol for many causes, including rights for the elderly. Emma always fought passionately for what she believed in. She lost her son to pancreatic cancer in 2009 and was his primary caretaker for the last two years of his life, helping him to battle the disease and ensuring he had the best care possible. In her home life, she was very creative as a painter, poet, Italian chef and green thumb. She helped her granddaughter create and publish a picture book at the age of 92. She lived independently for her full 93 years, with the kind support of her community of friends, family and neighbors, who helped her continue that lifestyle until her passing.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Jessica, daughter-in-law Gabriela, nieces Karen, Lisa, nephew Nick and their children, Nick Jr., Jason, Alex, Samantha, Ashley and her beloved dog, Foxy. She will forever be missed.

Services have already been held.