Hazel Mae Hill

Hazel Mae Hill, “Kahlala” (given to her by David Miller “Gumpa”) “Wichwee” (Creek name “Sparkle”), at the age of 53 entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on Sunday, June 19, 2011 surrounded by her family.

Hazel was born Dec. 23, 1957 in Pawnee, OK to Joe and Helen Miller Hill. She was an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation and descendent of the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma. In her early childhood days, Hazel, along with her sister Chum, and brothers David & Willie were raised by grandparents Rev. Tony and Margaret Hill in Oklahoma. There, they were fortunate to learn the ways of their Creek heritage, such as coming from the Wetko clan and also the Tuckabachee Tribal Town. Numerous stories have been told of Chum and Hazel running and playing in the grass of the Thlopthlocco Church.

She completed her education at Wapato Senior High School May 1976. There she was active in the Booster Club, Thespian Club, and Choir, where she sang many solos in the soprano section. She was the first recipient of the Robert B. Jim Leadership Award. At age 16, Hazel received Christ as her Lord and personal Savior. She served Him to her last day. She was a member of the All Tribes Christian Life Center and the Toppenish Longhouse. When the Toppenish Longhouse was located in the Community Center, she was one of the last root diggers with the “old timers”. Hazel was a very dedicated worker. She was the Benefits Coordinator for the Indian Health Services, a job she started at age 18, and worked for a total of 35 years. Hazel recently took a second job at Legends Casino as a Blackjack Dealer.

Hazel enjoyed being in the house of God, and served as a Sunday School and Children’s Church Teacher at both All Tribes Christian Life Center and Berea Worship Center. Hazel also helped at various other youth activities around the valley when asked. Every year, she looked forward to her trip to Stockton, CA to attend the West Coast World Outreach Church Conference. Her two favorite preachers where Bishop Mark Filkey and Robert “Hipman” Hooks. Hazel always had a kind, unselfish heart. This was exemplified when she too care of her ailing parents until the time of their deaths. She had a very chipper spirit and enjoyed all holidays, especially Christmas and Easter. With her infamous golden egg prizes, well thought out Christmas gifts, and Christmas themed vest and jewelry. She was one of the founding members of the Miller Family Christmas Ball Committee.

While Hazel never had children of her own, she spoiled and loved all her nephews and nieces. Memories are plentiful of trips with Auntie Hazel to the movies, Shopko, Fred Meyers, Christmas Bazaars, and trips out to dinner. She always chose two kids to accompany her to CA. We will always remember and laugh about her crazy quotes; “aww rats, dogglebegoneit, ches-ches, oh doggies, ol what’s his name”. Also, we will miss hearing our personalized crazy nicknames being called by her.

She always had a smile on her face and was a self proclaimed star. She would say, “I’m a star, I’m a star”. Well Hazel, you are now truly a star, the brightest star in the sky.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Joe & Helen Miller Hill, her brothers, David, Phillip, Vernon, Joe Hill, Jr., her sister, Madeline Hill, nieces, Margaret, Samantha, Tana Hill, grandnephew, Terence Rivers Ganuelas, paternal grandparents, Rev. Tony & Margaret Hill, maternal grandparents, Tony & Hazel Miller, uncles, Orrin Miller, Sr. Gabriel Selam, and lastly, her aunt, Marilyn Miller.

Surviors include sisters, Chumila Hill, Sharon Hill (Gerald George), and Espoke (Stuart) Jim; brothers, Wilburn Hill, Harry (Jeanne) Smiskin, and Elliot Lewis; aunts, Phyllis (Jerome) Littlebull, Nadine (Bernard) Ike, DeEtte (Vernon) Tahkeal, Leanne (Gene) Umtuch, Naomi (Roy) Rivas, and Rosemary Miller; uncles, Stanley Miller, Melvin (Mary) Miller, and Larry Wesley; nephews and nieces, William Hill (Billie), Lahoma Doublerunner (Homie), Marcus Marsden (Markie), Matthew Marsden (Snorglepuss), Winona Marsden (Skyonie), Phillip Hill (Flibby), Melinda Hunt (Mini-haha), Nikki Holguin, Heather Hill, Cheyenne Rivers (Chili), Jason Logie (Jzay Jay Bebe), Albert Squechos (Albenberto), Randell Corpuz (Panda), Adam (Nanners), Mariah Schuster (Myers), Sian Schuster (C-seren-ee), Joe Jim (Baby), Helena Jim (Sister), Hanna Jim (Banana), Ezra Jim (Sneeze), Sam Jim (Boobs), and Ella Lee Jim (Ewa); elders, Frank Miller, Juanita Miller Wallahee, Lena Sohappy, Amelia Sohappy, Larena Sohappy, and Viola Sohappy.

Dressing Services were 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at the All Tribes Christian Life Center in Wapato, WA, followed by overnight services. Wednesday (today), June 22nd, she will be transported to the Toppenish Longhouse for overnight services. Burial will be 8:00 a.m., Thursday June 23rd in the Union Gap Cemetery. Merritt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.