Tina Hill

Tina Lloydene Hill passed away peacefully, in the loving arms of her husband, on May 18th, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Enumclaw, WA.  She was 68 years old.  She is preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Temple, mother, Jean Chaffee, and brother, Ralph Temple.  She leaves behind her husband, Charles “Rob” Hill, three children, DeOle, Brandi, and Seanna, and seven grandchildren, Max, Arwen, Ben, Ashlyn, Timbre, Ashley and Noah, and her beloved dogs, D, Rye, Hank, and Little Bo. 

Born October 17th, 1953, Tina was raised in small towns & logging camps in the Pacific Northwest, and as a young woman traveled all over Southeast Alaska, where she met her husband of 49 years, Rob Hill.  In their early years they lived in wild and remote places in Alaska that would have scared off many women, but Tina was a fearless adventurer, and profoundly loved this time of her life.  Rob and Tina found in common a deep love for the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, foraging, and turning their harvests into incredible meals.  Tina was a passionate chef and “foodie” and adored sharing her recipes and creations with friends and family.

Together Rob and Tina moved to Tenino, WA, where they raised two children, Brandi & DeOle- Tina always said this was her greatest accomplishment, and cherished being a mother.  She met her stepdaughter Seanna in 1994 and was genuinely overjoyed to add her “Canadian daughter” to her clan.

While in Tenino, Tina worked several part-time jobs, (her priority always to be home when her children were home).  One of her favorites was as a temporary school bus driver, where she became known as “The Singing Bus Driver”, as she would sing on the intercom to all the students, or anyone within earshot!   Tina attended Centralia Community College where she completed her AA, before moving on to Evergreen State College where she majored in Marketing and graduated with honors.  While she didn't use her degree to pursue a career, she believed strongly that education greatly enriched her life.

Rob and Tina moved to Halfway, Oregon in 2004, where she quickly became a beloved member of the community, working in recent years at the Halfway Mercantile as a store clerk- a job she loved.

Tina was well known for her ability to celebrate anything and everything.  In her younger years she danced with a belly-dancing troupe and could mesmerize everyone when she donned her dance attire and performed.  She was likely to burst into song at the drop of a hat and had at least a few musical lines for almost any occasion.  Over the years she wrote many of her own songs and poems, often on the spot to fit the moment- She would recite these loudly and unexpectedly, to the surprise and delight of all who knew her. 

More than anything, Tina had a joyful exuberance for life that was unsurpassed.  She was a faithful and utterly devoted Wife, and a fiercely loyal Mother.  She was a lover of all animals, (especially her many dogs), the wild outdoors, and enjoyed contemplating the mystery and miracle of life.  She reminded us always that every moment is precious.

She was a brave and beautiful spirit whose loss will be felt deeply by those she leaves behind.

The family is taking some much needed time to mourn her passing, but are planning a Celebration of Tina's Life  -  to be held at the family home in Halfway on October 17, 2022, Her birthday .  For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Tina, the family suggests either the Hilary Bonn Benevolent Fund or Hunt of a Lifetime through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com