Norma J. Hill

Norma Jo Hill, a 58-year resident of Hamilton, Montana, entered her eternal heavenly home with Jesus on September 11, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on March 14, 1930, in Great Falls, MT, Norma was a beacon of generosity, dedication, creativity, joy and inspiration to her family, her church family and community.

Norma's life was a symphony of service, faith, and love. Her musical talents were a testament to her creativity and dedication. An accomplished soprano vocalist, Norma used her voice to uplift and inspire others, performing in special events such as the opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, plus routinely singing at church, funerals and senior citizen centers. As a choir director at First United Methodist Church in Lewistown and Faith Lutheran Church in Hamilton, she empowered others to discover and share their talents to the glory of God. Her musical skills were honed when she was awarded the opportunity to attend the reputed Interlochen Music Camp for gifted vocalists, an achievement that brought her immense joy and a love for classic and sacred music. It set the stage for her musical service to others. Yet, she often claimed her greatest achievement was the family of seven she raised and nurtured, plus four adult step-children. Together, her offspring generated 35 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and growing. One could affectionately call it, 'Norma Nation,' but she did have some help.

Norma's generosity extended beyond her immediate family. As a dedicated homemaker, her culinary skills were sharpened cooking for her seven children, grandchildren, and a gaggle of friends and neighbors. Her love for colors, flowers and gardening was a testament to her nurturing spirit. Beyond her home, she served as the president of the Community Concert in Lewistown, MT, and was an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta since her stint at the University of Montana.

Norma's faith became the cornerstone of her life. During the Jesus Revolution (late 1960's - 1970's), she experienced a profound transformation and dedicated her life to Jesus Christ and living a Spirit-filled life. Her faith was inspiring, encouraging her children to explore and embrace the same. She was a faithful participant in Bible study groups and women's circles, plus daily personal bible study and prayer. Norma's favorite scripture was Psalm 91, famously known as the soldier's prayer because of it's focus on the security of those who trust in the Lord and His faithful protection. She battled life's dark challenges like a vigilant praying soldier - for others and herself. In her final years, her church family at The Mosaic claimed her as "the Matriarch."

Norma is survived by her children Mike (Carolyn) Strain, Patti (Jim) Burt, Rob (Rose) Strain, Jon (Pam) Strain, Annie (Eddy) De Los Santos, David Strain, plus her step-children Janna (Jerry, decd. 2025) Pauls, Lee (Sherri) Hill, Dean (Kathie) Hill and her two sisters, Donna Stuart and Janice Trieglaff.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents L. Don and Margaret Hunter, her first husband and father of their seven children, Robert D. Strain (1981), her husband Orrin "O.D." Hill (2005), her son, Kim (Heidi) Strain (2023), and her step-son Ray (Jill) Hill (2025).

In honor of Norma's life, a memorial service will be held at the Mosaic Church on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1:30 pm MDT. The address is 206 West Main Street, Hamilton, Montana, 59840.

We invite you to celebrate Norma's life by leaving memories and uploading photos to her memorial page. Let us remember her for the generous, dedicated, creative, and inspiring woman she was. As we reflect on her life, may we all strive to live as she did, with God at the center of everything. As Psalm 91:16 promises, "With a long life I will satisfy [the one who dwells in My shelter] and let him or her see My salvation." Norma, while with us, instructed us to “be joyful” following the event of her passing because she is experiencing the fullness of this promise forever.