Laurel Ann “Laurie” Hills passed peacefully into God's arms on Sunday, July 24th at Sheridan Manor where she had resided the past three years after a long journey through Alzheimer’s disease. She was surrounded by people she had loved and who loved her.
Laurel was born to B. Judith and Byron K. Hamilton in St. Paul, MN in 1949. When she was 8 months old the family moved to Sheridan, where Laurel eventually participated in 4-H and spent many hours riding her horse, “Diamond”, on the family's small acreage. When Laurel was 15 the family moved to Scottsbluff, NE and later to Des Moines, IA where Laurel graduated from East High in 1967.
Laurel earned an A.A. Degree from Grandview College, and a B.A. Degree in Social Work from the University of South Dakota. She met her future husband, Daniel Hills at a Bible Camp in North Dakota where they were both camp counselors. They were married in December of 1969 and were blessed with two daughters, Amber (1976) and Tara (1978). After living and working in Parkston, SD, the young family moved to Sheridan, WY in 1979 and remained married for 46 years.
Laurel worked various social work related jobs in Head Start, in secondary education, and in pre-school education. Her primary calling, however, was that of wife, mother, and grandmother at which she excelled. Laurel was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was confirmed, and later where she taught Sunday School, and volunteered with youth programs and with running the church sound system.
Laurel loved the Lord and felt very blessed by the life she was given. She was also a legendary animal lover, and adopted many pets over the years.
Laurel was preceded in death by her father and mother, and is survived by two brothers, David (Joanne) and John (Marlis) as well as by her husband, Dan Hills, daughters Amber Hills, Tara Osborne (Chris), and three grandchildren (Chloe, Lance, and Jack Osborne).
Laurel's life will be celebrated at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheridan at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 1st with reception to follow. A private family burial will take place later in the day. In lieu of flowers, donations can benefit the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, 84 E. Ridge Rd., Sheridan, WY 82801, or the charity of donor's choice. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.