Betty Joan Hill, 91, of rural Larwill, died peacefully in the company of family at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at her home.

Born on January 15, 1932, in Whitley County, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Marshall L. and Nellie (Engle) Sheckler. Growing up in Columbia City, she graduated from Columbia City High School in 1950.

On June 4, 1950, she married Anthony "Gus" Wilbur Hill. In 1954, the couple purchased a farm in Etna-Troy Twp., where they raised five children.  Her husband of 50 years, Gus died on January 10, 2001.

In addition to being a farmwife and homemaker, she worked for Weatherhead/Dana, Columbia City as a mold operator for 25 years.

Throughout married life, she liked to work in the farm fields and plant and tend the annual vegetable garden. She enjoyed fishing in Minnesota and took several month-long trips to Germany with a native friend traveling throughout the country. When the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren came along, they were her love and joy. To keep sharp, she worked crossword puzzles and read.

Surviving are her children, Donna (John) Tucker of South Whitley, Sally (Anthony) Gingery of Columbia City, Shirley Hill of Georgia, and Michael (Loie) Hill of Larwill; ten grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and sisters Dorothy Burton of Wolf Lake and Joyce (John) Burton of Columbia City.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Diana Hull; a brother, Max Eugene Sheckler, and his wife Eunice; and a brother-in-law, William Burton.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is beside her husband at Troy Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Betty's honor are to the Richland Twp Volunteer Fire Dept. or Parkview Home Health and Hospice.