Garry Lee Hill

Garry Lee Hill of Frenchtown, MT passed away into the arms of Jesus, on December 15, 2025, at the Hope Hospice Center in Missoula, MT peacefully and surrounded by his family. He was a Husband, a Son, a Dad, a Pap, a Brother, a Nephew, an Uncle, a Cousin and a great friend to so many.

 

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy Hill of Frenchtown, MT. His Daughter Nicole (Aaron) McClurg of Frenchtown, MT. Two granddaughters, Kehla (Steven) Hanninen of Missoula, MT, and Karis McClurg of Frenchtown, MT. One Great-Grandson, “his little buddy” Leighton of Frenchtown, MT. Brother Scott (Ruth) Hill of Sylva, NC, Brother Bill (Germaine) Hill of New Braunfels, TX, and a sister Debbie Hill-Maynard of Myrtle Beach, SC. Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins in SC, NC, PA, TX, CO, MI, and FL. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Carolyn Hill, brother Jeff Hill, and niece Felicia Hill.

 

Garry was the 3rd born son, to William & Carolyn Hill in Muncy, PA and the middle of 5 kids. He was raised in Montgomery, PA and grew up an avid Yankees Baseball fan his entire life. His family moved to South Carolina in the early 70’s where he worked at various family businesses as a teenager and young adult. The family returned to PA in 1976 where he met Nancy Milheim. They married on June 18, 1977, and they welcomed their daughter, Nicole, in August 1977.

 

He worked at Milton Manufacturing aka “The Steel Mill” from July 1977- April 1986 as an overhead crane operator. If you spent time with him, you’ve heard and laughed with him over many “Steel Mill” stories. During these years they made many trips to Myrtle Beach, SC to spend holidays and vacations with family. In 1986 he, Nancy, and Nicole moved to Myrtle Beach, SC where he returned to Clearview Cable, a company in which his father had previously been a founding partner. He made many lifelong friends during this time, with whom he continued to keep in touch with.

 

Garry loved watching old western TV shows and movies, especially the Rifleman, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza, just to name a few. So, when he had the opportunity in the late 1980’s to go on a hunting trip to Wyoming he happily went! In the early 90’s he brought Nancy and Nicole on a 3-week road trip out west to Wyoming, and Montana to share his love for the mountains and the wild west. In 1992 they decided to move to Superior, MT, where they purchased The Hilltop Motel and Laundromat, which they operated together until May 2019, when it was destroyed by a fire. Garry and Nancy welcomed so many visitors, guests and family during the 27 years of operating The Hilltop Motel. Whether it was for an amazing meal, a memorable hunting trip, or a cold beer on the patio, you never left hungry, without a hug, and a story to tell. 

 

Garry & Nancy then relocated to Frenchtown, MT in March of 2020 just a few miles from their daughter, son-in-law and 2 granddaughters. Garry was then able to retire and enjoy his new home, his beautiful yard, spend time with friends and family, and fish whenever he wanted.  Garry made many friends during his time in Frenchtown, MT.  He was known for his friendly smile, his contagious laugh, and his crazy stories.  

 

In 2021 Garry welcomed his Great-Grandson, Leighton.  He was his pride & joy, his “little buddy” they spent so much time together and shared a love for so many of the same things, such as mowing the lawn, afternoon naps, late night snacks, road-trips with Karis, TV shows, and their favorite music artist, Elvis Presley. A few days before Garry’s passing, he was able to enjoy Leighton’s 4th birthday, this was such a special moment for Garry to be able to attend. They shared cake, ice cream, laughs, and many hugs. 

 

Garry was also able to attend his granddaughter Kehla’s wedding a few months ago. This was a very special day for him to share with so many friends and family.

 

Garry lived life on his own terms, he made the most of all of it! He was very happy and at peace with the life he had lived. He loved a good baseball game, a fishing trip, hunting, cooking a good meal, having a cold beer, and visiting and spending time with his family and friends that he loved very much.

 

Per his wishes, there will not be any formal services. However, in memorial of Garry, we would like to have everyone celebrate on Sunday, January 11, 2026. This day would have been Garry’s 70th birthday! Please go out with your family and friends, have a beer, or your favorite drink, enjoy a good meal, and share your photos in memorial of Garry with us on Facebook, by tagging “Garry Hill” in these photos.

 

The family would like to thank the staff of Hope Hospice House and Community Medical Center for their outstanding care and compassion to Garry and his family during this difficult time.  To all our family and friends near and far, we are very grateful for all the love and support we have received during this time.

 

We will continue to tell his stories, cooks his favorite foods, listen to his favorite music,  laugh and share in the joy that Garry brought to each and every one of our lives.

 

Until we meet again in heaven, we love you and we miss you Pap.