Thelma Jane “Wendy” Hill of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born August 21, 1939, in Broseley, Missouri, to Howard Leaman and Maude Josephine “Josie” Trout Hayes. On August 13, 1955, she married Berness “Bernie” Jerane Hill in Tunica, Mississippi. She earned her GED in 1973 and later completed the insurance coursework necessary to pursue state licensure.

Thelma and Bernie moved to Yellville, Arkansas, in 1960, before settling in Mountain Home, where she became deeply connected to the community. She built lasting relationships and earned a reputation for exceptional service through her work at Mar-Bax, Sears, Wal-Mart, Horton’s Jewelry Store, Mountain Home Public Schools, People’s Bank, and eventually her own Allstate insurance agency. Though she had limited formal schooling, she never let that define her; through perseverance and grit, she became a licensed insurance agent and a fierce advocate for her insurance customers. Former clients still recall her dedication, often saying, “If only Thelma Hill was still doing this.”

Thelma was known for her elegance and classy style. Having grown up with modest means, she learned to sew and fashioned most of her own trendy wardrobe. While polished in presence, her tenacity served her well, never taking “no” for an answer. At just 13 while accompanying her father to the “big city,” Thelma made such an impression that she and her older sister, Louetta, were hired by Stix, Baer & Fuller, an upscale department store later rebranded as Dillard’s. That same determination became a defining thread throughout her life.

Thelma had pizzazz. Her energy lit up every room she entered, and she never met a stranger, remembering not only their names but the details which made each person feel known.

Thelma approached life with purpose and drive, making the most of every moment and refusing to be defined by circumstance. As a breast cancer survivor, her resilience reflected the quiet strength she carried with grace.

Thelma was an active member of the Christian Church of Mountain Home, formerly Memorial Christian Church, and a charter member of the Cameo Club of Mountain Home. She embraced community and business life, mentoring colleagues, offering practical advice, and contributing creative ideas for events and parades, often recruiting Bernie to bring her visions to life. Aside from sewing, she loved gardening, decorating, baking, remodeling houses, and trivia. Her eye for design transformed homes, and her enthusiasm for KTLO radio’s daily trivia contest once earned her enough turkeys and hams to feed 55 family members at a holiday gathering!

Above all, Thelma loved her family. She cherished the skits, comedy, and music that filled family gatherings, and she was known for bringing others into the fun. In a family production of The Wizard of Oz, she played the Tin Man, the character mirroring her own generous heart full of empathy, love, and kindness.

Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the community she served, and the many lives brightened by her warmth and spirit.

Thelma is survived by her sister, Louetta Mae Wilson (James, deceased); children, Steven Hill of Harrison, AR, Cynthia Farrier of Mountain Home, AR, and Kevin (Keith) McKibben-Hill of Trumann, AR, and Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Stephanie (David) Haskell, Jeremy Hill, Sarah (Anthony) Proffitt, and Dakota Hill; great-grandchildren, Andrew Harris, Marion Andrews, William Harris, Tucker Proffitt, and Nathan Haskell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Berness Jerane Hill; parents, Howard and Josephine Hayes; and siblings, Grace Rosetta Hayes, Lloyd Leaman Hayes, Glen Edward Hayes, Ruth Ann Winberry (Martin), Betty Jo Parnell (Leon), Jetty Jean Keller (Kenneth), Junior Floyd Hayes, Opal Lee Hayes, Harriett Lela McMillon (Floyd), and Howard Leaman “Bud” Hayes, Jr.

Visitation will be 10:00 am, September 24, 2026, at Christian Church of Mountain Home, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 am, with Eric Dwyer officiating. Burial will be at Kirby’s Tucker Memorial Cemetery, with Jeremy Hill, Dakota Hill, Drew Parnell, Jerry Skidmore, Brian Cobb, Diana Cobb, and Michael Summers as pallbearers. Following burial, the Christian Church of Mountain Home will host a meal for family and close friends.

Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's Association . Cards and sentiments may be sent in c/o Thelma Hill, Christian Church of Mountain Home, 1365 Eastside Centre Ct., Mountain Home, AR 72653.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.