Mary Alice Hill

Mary A. Hill passed away surrounded by the love of family and community, in Dillon MT, on April 15th, 2026.

Mary was born May 31st, 1934 in Lakeview MT, to parents Lucy and Archibald Hayden. Her love for the Centennial Valley was ever present in her stories and her life.

Mary and her family left the valley when she was 2 as they moved to Dillon where she attended school at the Nelson School, before graduating from Beaverhead County High School in 1952.

1952 was the year she attended a square dance in Armstead MT and met the love of her life Dan C. Hill. They surrendered their independence to pursue a life together on July 4th, 1958. Dan and Mary built a life in and around Dillon, where they became known in the community for their commitment to ranching, hunting, working in custom haying and their passion to be good neighbors. They had 4 children Dan Hill, Norman Hill, Mary Jane Riggin, and Ruth Jackson.

As a family they continued ranching in and around Dillon until Dan and Mary moved to Glendive, MT in 1994. There they met a wonderful community of friends where they continued their legacy of neighboring and adopting new family continued. In 2002 they moved home to Dillon, once again becoming a cornerstone of the community.

Mary was passionate about her love for the Centennial Valley and often shared her stories with the local museum. Her love for history and stories extended to her love of painting, especially works by Charlie Russell, ranching, family and community. She loved her time as a volunteer at the Beaverhead County Fair, sharing her time and knowledge as a Superintendent in the floriculture building. She was happiest when she was serving as the hub that kept us all connected.

She will be celebrated and remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, neighbor and cherished friend. Her smile, mischievous sense of humor, stories and wisdom will endure in the hearts of all who loved her.

She is proceeded in death by her beloved parents Lucy and Archibald, brothers Archie and Glen, and grandson Calvin Jackson.

She is survived by her loving husband Dan, children Dan and Virginia Hill, Norman Hill, Mary Jane Riggin, and Ruth Jackson, 8 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and family both by blood and by love.

Services will be held at 1:00pm at Brundage Funeral Home on Monday April 20th 2026. Reception to follow at the Elks Lodge, 27 East Center St. Dillon MT.

The family welcomes donations in Mary's memory to the Shriners Hospital, St. Jude's Children Hospital or an organization of your choice.