Diane E. Hill

Diane Elizabeth (Blake) Hill of Woodstock Illinois passed away at her home January 16, 2026. Born in Chicago September 27, 1946to the late Harold and Irene (McMahon) Blake.

Beloved wife of late Walter James (Jim) Hill Jr.;  Loving mother ofJennifer Rowzee (Michael), Jim Hill (Claire);  Caring grandmother of Connor Hill, Brody Hill, Chloe Rowzee and Caelyn Rowzee. Diane also leaves behind a cousin, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many life-long friends.

She met the love of her life, Jim, at a church singles group. Her beautiful copper hair and green eyes and his gregarious personality no doubt had something to do with it. They married at Our Lady of Ransom Church on 8/8/1970. Very much in love, they joyfully celebrated 25 years of marriage before his passing in 1996. Over the years Diane took care of grandkids, waitressed, sold Avon, worked with friends and family cleaning houses, hanging wallpaper, and taking care of plants in interior gardens. She had friends to this day that she met in those various jobs. In the late 1950’s she was a performer in the Tommy Barlett waterski shows, a competitive ice skater and an LPGA executive. She enjoyed: cooking, baking, sewing, golfing, bowling, and playing cards. In the 70’s and 80’s he made all of children’s clothing and beautiful bedding, people commissioned her to make clothing for them, she made our entire family matching shirts for vacations, and she made all the family baby quilts and blankets. She would generously pick kids off the Angel Trees for Christmas gifts and make meals for her uncle and various friends and family members. She still enjoyed watching General Hospital and was saddened by all the recent turmoil in the news. Her funny Facebook “one-liners” will be missed by many!  

Above all else, she loved her family dearly, and will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She is with the love of her life Jim who she missed deeply. She is up in heaven kissing and hugging her husband, daughter, and future great grandbabies. 

Join us in honoring Diane‘s life and legacy Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 8:30 AM - 11:00am at Cardinal Funeral Home for a time of visitation. Interment to follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.