Bessie Oukrop Hill

BESSIE L. HILL IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Bessie L. Hill, 80, longtime resident of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday morning, December 13, 2005. Bess was born July 31, 1925, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to Charles and Blanche Kircher Oukrop. She grew up in nearby Hill City, Minnesota, and graduated from Hill City High School. During World War II she and her family moved to Bellingham, Washington, where she worked for Boeing as a riveter. She met her future husband in Bellingham, a young baseball player named Verle L. Hill II. They were married February 23, 1946 in Bellingham. They moved to Idaho Falls shortly thereafter and lived there most of their married lives except for a brief period in the 1950's when they moved back to Tacoma, Washington. Bess’s life was one of service to others. As member of the First Congregational Church of Idaho Falls, she organized rummage sales and Vacation Bible School, helped with wedding receptions, sewed for bazaars, and took her turn cleaning the church. She also worked at the Food Bank and the Soup Kitchen. Verne passed away August 1, 2004. Bess was an avid gardener. Her colorful front yard was enjoyed by everyone driving down 10th Street and many friend welcomed the bouquets of roses she brought them. She also liked to play bridge, square dance, and travel. Always needing to be busy and productive, she crocheted many afghans in the evenings while watching TV, and gave them all away to friends and family In the TV room, she covered a wall with posters made from pictures of all her family members with their pets, so she could look at them whenever she wanted. That was because her family was so important to her. She supported her children in all their endeavors. She watched innumerable BMX races, football games, ballet recitals, and motorcycle races. She sewed ballet costumes and car seat covers. She tolerated her house being overrun with numerous pets, motorcycles, cars, and sports gear. She always listened, no matter what the topic was, from how to rebuild a transmission to what people are wearing in Saudi Arabia. She was wise and practical, and she always considered what was important in the advice she gave. She was the best mom. Bess is survived by her sister, Nellie Fischbach, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; her son, Verne “Rocky” Hill and grandchildren, Ken Hill and Sarah Hill, all of Las Vegas, Nevada; her daughter, Mary (Frank) Wilbanks and grandsons, Dave Wilbanks and Ian Wilbanks, all of Idaho Falls; her son, Dr. Fred Hill of Idaho Falls; and her son, Joe Hill of Idaho Falls. She was preceded in death by her husband, Verne L. Hill II and her brother, Fred Oukrop of Hill City, Minnesota. Friends may meet with the family on Tuesday, December 20, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, Idaho Falls. Brief Memorial Services will follow at 3:00 p.m.