Obituaries

Valarie Hill, a lifelong resident of Pickford, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on August 29, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on February 4, 1936, in Pickford, to Thomas Harold and Julia Walker. She grew up on a farm, learning and embracing the values of hard work, faith, and devotion to family and community.

Valarie graduated from Pickford High School with the Class of 1954. Soon after, she started work as a switchboard operator. After several years, she ventured in a new direction, working at Pickford Veterinary Clinic with both Dr. William Barber and later Dr. Clint Groover, then became Manager of the Pickford Co-op Credit Union. In each role, she was known for her dependability, integrity, and concern for the people she served.

On November 8, 1975, she married James E. Hill. He added new and wonderful dimensions to her life: an expanded family, travel - short trips exploring new places or visiting family, as well as vacations to other countries - backyard barbecues, and sports. Valarie embraced them all (well, not the ice-fishing).
Valarie was a woman of many talents and many interests, always eager to try something new. She became an exceptional basket weaver, knitter, and an avid gardener. Most of the things she made, sweaters, afghan blankets, mittens, hats, baby blankets, baskets, she gave away to friends, family, or charities. She found her joy in creating things that made others happy. She was also a prolific reader, always eager to discover a new author, and a new story on the pages of a good book, preferably with a happy ending.

Faith and service were important parts of Valarie’s life. She was a longtime and devoted member of the Pickford Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder, was a member of the Women’s Association, coordinated Vacation Bible school for many years, directed the Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox ministry, and served as church Treasurer. She volunteered at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault and the Pickford Community Library.

Valarie is survived by her daughter of the heart, Donna (Bob) McHaney of Dafter Michigan, step-son, James (Kathy) Hill of Geneva Illinois; step-daughter, Mary Jo (Roger) Zeune of Pataskala Ohio; step-son, Nicholas (Laura) Hill of Granville, Ohio, and many much-loved grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Valarie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James E. Hill; stepdaughter, Linda Mitchell; parents, Thomas and Julia; sister, Delores (Raymond) Dodds; sister-in-law, Maxine (Calvin) Wonnacott; and bother-in-law, Warren (Elizabeth) Hill.

To know Valarie was to know someone who quietly made a difference. She was a familiar and beloved presence in Pickford—a woman whose generosity, faith, and genuine interest in others made her special. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, church family, and members of the Pickford community. She was especially thankful for the friendships of Toni Mills, Vicki Manfrin, Alice Halsey, and Patricia Hunter.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:00 AM at the Pickford Presbyterian Church, 115 E. John St. Pickford, MI 49774. The Memorial Service will follow immediately at 11:00 AM.

Memorials can be sent to the Pickford Presbyterian Church, 115 E. John St. Pickford, MI 49774 or to the Road to Recovery Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault with “Road to Recovery Donation” in the memo, 500 Osborn Blvd. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com. Obituary submitted by Family.