Martha Hill (Mattila)

Chassell Martha E. Hill, 82, a resident of Chassell, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the Franklin House of Portage Pointe in Hancock. She was born on February 20, 1937, in Humbolt Twp., MI, a daughter of the late William and Helvi (Lakanen) Mattila. Martha was a graduate of the Republic Schools with the class of 1954. She then attended Suomi College and graduated from Northern Michigan University receiving a masters degree in education. On October 10, 1958, she was united in marriage to Arthur J. Hill. The couple resided in Hancock until 1984 and since then made their home in Chassell. Mrs. Hill taught 2nd grade for the Chassell schools retiring after 25 years and seemed to be most everyone's favorite teacher. She loved her family and music was always a big part of her life. Martha was well known in the local music community for her beautiful soprano voice. Along with her accompanist husband Arthur, they were sought after to provide music for many local weddings and events. She also sang in numerous local musical productions and for three different churches in the area. She was a longstanding member of the Copper Country Chorale and the MTU choral groups. She was active with the Chassell Historical Society, and enjoyed sewing, reading, canning and working on her lake house and in her gardens. Preceding her in death were her husband, her sons James Alfred Hill (at birth) and Arthur Michael Hill; her parents; her siblings, William, Elma Laughlin, George, Sulo, Helen Feigl, Reino, Agnes Warner, Ruth Puroll, Raymond, Charles, David, Francis, Ronald, Laura Sloney and Jenney. Surviving are: Her children: Karen (Roger) Reynolds of Delmar, CA Karl Fredrick Hill of Rockford, MI Myra Pentler of Grand Rapids, MI Vicki Usitalo of Chassell Rebecca Hill of Clearwater, FL Paula (Jason) Coyle of Hutchinson, MN 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren Her brothers: Eli (Shirlee) Mattila of Silverdale, WA Fred (Judy) Mattila of Champion, MI Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to say a very special thank you to the wonderful staff of PortagePointe who cared for her every day of the past 6 years where she lived in Franklin House. You've all been a very special part of our lives. A memorial service and musical tribute for Martha will be held 11 am, Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell with Rev. Soren Schmidt to officiate. Friends may call from 6 to 8:00 pm on Friday evening January 10, 2020, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Chassell and on Saturday from 10 am until time of services at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Chassell. To view Marthas obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Chassell have been assisting the family with the arrangements.