Lawrence
Raymond “Larry” Hill of Malta, MT, 53 years young, was ushered
through heaven’s gates and into the Lord Jesus Christ’s presence
at 1:45 pm, Sunday, November 13, 2011. Memorial Services will be 4:00 P.M. Thursday, at the Malta High School Gymnasium. Memorials may be made to his family for a missions memorial, Gideon’s International, or the music department of Grace Fellowship Church. Private interment will be at a later date. Condolences for the family may be left at www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com. Kirkwood Funeral Home of Malta is in charge of arrangements.
Larry is survived by his wife of 28 years, Danni, his sons, Chase Martin, age 23 of Everson, Washington and Bryce William, age 20 of Billings, his parents, Ray and Kathy Hill of Raynesford, Mont., Arlene and Bill Thomas of Clarkston, Washington, his three sisters and their families. He is also survived by his many in-laws, out-laws, and extended family, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born to Ray and Arlene Hill of Raynesford, MT, on January 10, 1958, Larry joined an older sister, Annie and was later big brother to sisters Diane and Patty. During his formative years, he developed a deep compassion for the ranch / agriculture lifestyle. 4-H played a vital role in defining the solid characteristics he carried through life. As a national award winner, 4-H congressional leadership delegate, and extension specialist he developed a quick sense of humor as well as the art of communication. Larry always had a love for life and words of encouragement for those around him. He was also prone to break out in song at a second’s notice.
Larry became the County Executive Director for the Agriculture Conservation and Stabilization Service (ASCS), later Farm Service Agency in Jan 1985 and served the Phillips County community, state of Montana and nation until his death. He was a man of integrity with a multitude of working relationships and much valued friendships. He possessed the strength and courage to stand for what he believed in and was a strong, effective advocate for the PC producers and FSA leaving a legacy of spirit and commitment to the industry. In 1986 until present, Larry was a board member of Malta Opportunities Inc., serving in numerous capacities. He was also a member of Malta Rotary Club in his early Malta years and had recently joined Gideon’s International.
Faith, family, and friends, in that order were how Larry walked the adventures of life. He possessed a special zeal for sharing the Lord’s Good news through music, Promises Keepers, and small group endeavors. In 1993, he was instrumental in the beginning stages of Promise Keepers and a men’s accountability group which still meets to this day. He was also instrumental in the church planting of Grace Fellowship Church in Malta and served as Chairman of the Board. As worship leader, the Lord placed a special love of music in Larry’s heart. He held a dedication to speaking the truth of God’s light, life, and energy in an upbeat way. It was one of his many admirable qualities.
Larry married Danette “Danni” Schneidt of Molt, MT on October 29, 1983 and they raised 2 boys, Chase Martin, and Bryce William, making Malta their permanent home. Always a people relationship person, active in church, school, and the community, he was his sons’ best advocate and known for his distinguished Tarzan yell and musical “abilities”. Involved as owner and in the ministry of Promises, “His” Coffee and Cottage Shoppe, Larry’s positive, upbeat attitude served him well, impacting lives, locally and state-wide as well as nationally.
As a licensed pilot, Larry held his radio operators license. He enjoyed his early years in Malta as a hobby KMMR announcer and had a special love for flying. He was in the process of building an airplane in his garage. Larry had a special affinity for the outdoors, which he felt is God’s largest cathedral and the singing birds are God’s symphony. He enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, the mountains and prairies, sunrises and sunsets.
He led a brave, 3 year fight with cancer, carrying the Lord’s torch. His gift to those left behind is the strength, courage, dedication and commitment to carry “His” torch; the torch he so bravely lit for the rest of us. Larry, you did not hide His light under a bushel, you let it shine brightly!! And the Lord said, “Well done my good and faithful servant.
Guest Book
From: Denise Boothe
To the family of Larry, I offer my deepest condolences. I worked with Larry at the ASCS Office in Malta for 3 years before moving to Columbus. Larry was one of a kind and never to be forgotten! May your memories bring you comfort in your loss.
From: Jeanne Rankin
Dear Dani and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss of Larry. Only the Lords arms can give you comfort in knowing that Larry has reached his reward in heaven. Larry and I knew each other through our parents raising Gelbvieh cattle and also attending MSU. May the Lord's peace be with you.
Sincerely,
Jeanne
From: Sam Krone Gardner
Danni, Bryce and Chase,
I wanted to express my sincere sympathy for the loss of your husband, dad and best friend. Larry truly made a huge impact in my spiritual life and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to know him. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. His obituary is beautiful and captures his love for life and for the Lord. You are right, he never hid His light under a bushel. God Bless him and your family. You are in my prayers.
Love,
Sam
From: Vickie Baumgartner
My condolences to Larry's family at this sad time from a fellow FSA employee. As with all, I remember Larry talking in song or just singing for the shear joy of life. Vickie
From: Karen Schanz
Danni, Bryce & Chase: I'm very thankful that I got to spend time with Larry during his last days. He was a great person, friend, and coworker. I will always remember his favorite song, "Somewhere over the Rainbow". I heard it a lot during our meetings together. It was a privilege to work with him. He always had the paper, since I always forgot mine. Anyway, my sincere sympathies to you all, but after being with you in his final days, I know you are all strong, have a wonderful faith, and know that Larry is in a great place watching over all of us.
From: George Thomsen
Danni, Chase and Bryce
Please accept my deepest sympathy over the loss of your dear husband and father. Though I only knew him through Danni, I know he was special - a knowledge that was fortified by reading his beautifully written obituary. You all have been and continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
From: Cary Holmquist
My deepest condolences to Danni, Chase and Bryce and all of Larry's family. His sister Annie wrote me to advise of Larry's passing. I was a pal of Larry's from our high school 4-H years and he was my roommate for his first year of college at the University of Montana. We had some great times together and after he left Missoula I remember he tried to get me up in an ultra light...but I was reluctant and the owner didn't want to chance it. Seems like we lost touch more than stayed in touch over the years, but I'll be missing him also. He always wanted to include me in his activities and he was a genuine friend.
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