Aaron James Hill, age 83, lifelong resident of Holbrook, Idaho, peacefully passed away on August 13, 2020 in Malad City, Idaho at the Nell J. Redfield Hospital and Long-Term Care Facility.

Aaron was born on December 12, 1936 in Malad, Idaho to William Martin Hill and Ruth Abigail Sparks. He grew up in the Stone-Holbrook area, where his family homesteaded and farmed. There, he attended school in Holbrook from 1st grade through 6th grade. He then attended school in Malad for grades 7 through 12. He graduated from Malad High School, Class of 1954.

Aaron was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Following high school, he served a mission for The Church from 1957 to 1959. He served and loved the people in the Southwest Indian Mission, headquartered in Gallup, New Mexico.

He married his eternal companion, Erma Rawlins, in the Logan Temple in Logan, Utah on September 30, 1960. Aaron and Erma initially met while serving a mission in the same area, but later became acquainted and started their courtship after serving their missions. Together, they became the parents of five boys. They were only seven weeks away from celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

Aaron worked many different jobs over the years. Some of those jobs included Thiokol – Promontory, Utah, Jack Parson – Richmond, Utah, Jody Steed – Tremonton, Utah, and Rose Ranch – Snowville, Utah. Anyone that knew Aaron, knows that his favorite job of all times was while working on a ranch and riding his horse all day. He enjoyed raising and working cattle, hunting, driving tractors, combines, and any other farm machinery to harvest the crops, but was the happiest when he was riding his horse. It truly was a sad day for him when he could no longer ride his horses.

Aaron was known for telling a good story. Whether the story was about wild horses, rabbit hunts, or the Curlew Valley, one always knew that his story would be entertaining. He was also well known for singing a church hymn in the Navajo language that he learned on his mission and would sing to anyone who would listen. He lived off Pepsi and could always be found with a huge, full mug nearby. He was friendly and kind to everyone he met, even if they were complete strangers. The quote “never met a stranger” definitely applied to Aaron.

Due to health issues, Aaron went to live in the Long-Term Care Facility in Malad in July of 2019. He was well cared for by the wonderful staff who work there. The family is very grateful for their kindness and care that they gave to Aaron while he was there.

He is survived by his loving wife, Erma, of almost 60 years. She did all she could to love and support him and visited him faithfully, until he was called home. He is also survived by his five sons, Kelly (Becky) of Malad, Kent of Holbrook, Kirk (Jennifer) of Malad, Kacey of Holbrook and Klane (Stacey) of Snowville, Utah, 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, with 2 more to arrive soon. He is also survived by one brother Lyle (Marilyn) Hill of Smithfield, Utah and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruth Hill, five brothers, Irven, Frank, Chester, Don and Cecil, and two sisters, Ruby Hill Mackey and Leola Hill Edwards.

Family Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 11 a.m. in the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 N. in Malad. Friends may visit with the family for one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Holbrook Cemetery.