Elda 'Ferne' (Downes) Hill, 87

Elda “Ferne” (Downes) Hill, 87, passed away peacefully surround by loving family on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016.

Ferne was born in Columbia Falls Aug. 19, 1929, to Elda Switzer and Clarence “Bud” Downes. Ferne was the second eldest of four siblings. Ferne spent most of her years growing up in the North Fork where she explored the wilderness and helped her family on the homestead.

Ferne later met Julius “Jiggs” Burton Hill and soon were married on May 24, 1947, and had four children together.

Ferne was a devoted Catholic and parish member of St. Richards Roman Catholic Church and spent much of her time volunteering to numerous functions and events. Ferne also loved to garden. If she wasn’t inside baking bread you could find her either in her flower or vegetable garden. Ferne loved to go camping, go on picnics and spend time in the great outdoors with her family. Her favorite book was The Night of the Grizzlies and her favorite musician was Meryl Haggard. Ferne followed her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren in academics and sports and was always willing to offer her support.

Ferne is survived by her two brothers, Lee Downes and Jack Downes; her children, Cheryl L. Neier, Jerry “Cork” Hill, Jay B. Hill, Kelly M. Hill; grandchildren, Teresa Malzer, Jacey Johnson, Alicia Rinck, Shelly Neier, Kendee Barnes, Jason “Beau” Hill, Jamie Hill, Jesse Hill; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 1210 9th St. West, in Columbia Falls, with the Rev. Sean Raftis, celebrant. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Columbia Falls High School athletic department and to the Flathead Special Olympic Program.

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Ferne’s family. You are invited to go to www.darlingtonfunerals.com to view Ferne’s Tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.