Barbara Joyce Hill

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Barbara Hill, aged 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Bluewater Health in Sarnia, following a stroke. Born on March 5, 1948, in Deckerville, Michigan, Barbara was the beloved daughter of Marian and Forest Hartsell and sister to Bonnie, Marilyn, and Mark.

In her mid-teens, Barbara came to faith in Christ through the truth of Galatians 2:20, during gospel meetings led by Mr. Lorne McBean and Mr. Jim Smith. From then on, she sought to honour the Lord in every step of her life. Her faith was not simply something she professed; it shaped how she cared for others, served her church, and met the joys and trials of life.

After graduating from nursing school in Saginaw, Michigan, Barbara began a career in nursing. She later spent approximately 20 years serving in the labour and delivery department in Jackson, Michigan. She was also deeply involved in the Jackson assembly, where she was a blessing to all who gathered there.
On July 4, 1992—Independence Day, a date she and Elgin could always remember with a smile—Barbara married her beloved husband, Elgin Hill. She moved to Oil Springs, Ontario, where she became an active and devoted member of the Gospel Hall assembly and remained involved for the rest of her life. Together, Barbara and Elgin shared 34 years of marriage, marked by love, faith, and care for those around them.

In 1993, Barbara welcomed her stepson, Andrew, into her home. From the first day she met him, she made him feel loved. She was a cherished stepmother and a loving presence in his life. Over the years, Barbara’s kindness and steadfast care touched many people, including friends and neighbours.
Life brought Barbara difficult trials, yet through them she showed perseverance and a steadfast love for the Lord, her family, and all who knew her. Even near the end of her life, she continued to think of others and longed to share the gospel she treasured.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbours, and all whose lives she touched. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now with her Lord and Saviour—the One she loved above all else.

Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service being held at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Sanctuary Park Cemetery in Port Elgin on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca