Ethel Irene Hill, 93, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. She was born to William and Ava (Bird) Donovan on December 9, 1929. Ethel was raised in the Freeport area, attending schools, as well as church there. On May 1, 1948, she married the love of her life, Howard L. Hill in Freeport at Saint Mary Catholic Church. Catholicism was extremely important to Ethel, becoming confirmed as a child, and attending many Rockford area Catholic Churches. Most recently, she attended Saint Bridget Catholic Church before becoming unable.
Ethel was family oriented, and loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren dearly. As the family matriarch, she looked forward to each and every Holiday with her family. She also loved going on car rides, walks, and going up north to the Westfield, Wisconsin area to spend time with her daughter.
Ethel is survived by her children, Cheryl Keller, Linda (Robert) Rahn, Deborah (Dave) Nelson, Louis (Collette) Hill, Teresa (John) Smith, and Elizabeth (Mike) Ellis; son-in-law, Bruce Howland; numerous grand, great-grand, and great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; parents, William and Ava; daughter, Katherine Howland; granddaughter, Nicole Ellis; siblings, Mary, Jack, Betty, Marjorie, Norma, Roger, and Jerry; son-law, Danny Keller.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Alden Debes and Family Centered Hospice for the love, care, and support they provided to Ethel.
Services for Ethel will take place Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Home with a funeral beginning at 10:00 AM, and a visitation taking place prior at 9:00 AM. Ethel’s final resting place will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens following services.
