Richard Hills

Richard Dee “Dick” Hills, age 96, of Yorkville, Illinois, passed away on August 18, 2026. He was born on November 19, 1929, in Aurora, Illinois.

Dick was born and raised in Aurora and later raised his own family there alongside his beloved wife, Gertrude Bertha “Gert” Hills. Their story began through mutual friends, and it grew into a remarkable marriage of 74 years. Dick was a patient and loving husband, and he and Gert built a life together marked by devotion, hard work, and deep family ties. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Aurora.

Dick served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany, where he had the opportunity to meet some of Gert’s family. He carried that experience with him throughout his life, along with the quiet strength and steady character that defined him. Following his military service, he worked for Barber Greene until his retirement.

In addition to his work and service, Dick gave generously of his time to young people. He volunteered as a scout master for Bob and as a cub scout master for Tom, sharing his guidance, patience, and encouragement with the next generation. He also enjoyed simple pleasures that brought joy to his days, especially golf and bowling. After retirement, he learned wood carving so that Gert could paint his creations, a reflection of both his creativity and the partnership they shared.

 His family was the center of his world, and he took great pride in them. He is survived by his sons, Robert Hills and his wife Jane, and Thomas Hills and his wife Sue; his grandchildren, Julie Jespersen and her husband Russ, Jason Hills, Nicole Lyle and her husband TJ, and Daniel Hills and his wife Karedon; and his great-grandchildren, Garrett Jespersen, Carson Jespersen, Arabella Hills, Alivia Lyle, Saylor Hills, Riley Lyle, and Kallan Hills.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will remember him with love, including Rick Stallman and his wife Nancy, Verne Mortvedt, Jr. and his wife Dawn, Eric Mortvedt, Jon Mortvedt and his wife Sandi, Dennis Hills, Donald Hills and his wife Pam, Barbara Strey and her husband Allen, Bonnie Berger, Valerie Hills, Patty Strong, Donna Manning and her husband Rich, Deborah Powell and her husband Skip, and Danette Deligiannis and her husband Bill.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude Bertha Hills; his daughter, Susan Lyn Hills; his father, Clinton B. Hills; his mother, Amanda E. Hills, née Olson; his sisters, Jeanne Mortvedt and Betty Stallman; his brothers, Howard Hills and Donald Hills; and his niece, Peggy Niles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, or to the American Cancer Society.

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