Gary George Hill

     Gary George Hill, age 82, of Ithaca, MI, peacefully passed away at home on Friday, July 7, 2023.

     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 13, 2023, with Pastor John Hagerman officiating. Burial will be in Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the funeral home.

     Gary was born in Alma, Michigan on January 16, 1941, the son of Alvin F. and Bessie (Cashmore) Hill. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1960.   On November 24, 1971, Gary married Amber Beth Osterhout.  They were married nearly forty-seven years prior to her death on November 9, 2018.

     Gary was raised in the Ithaca United Methodist Church and raised his family there as well. He then attended the Ithaca Church of God for many years. The last few years he began attending New Haven Church of God.

     After graduating from Barber School in Lansing, Gary returned to Ithaca and opened his own barbershop. Later his wife joined him and Gary and Amber's Hair Styling was a fixture in the community for over 40 years. He was a volunteer fireman with the Ithaca Fire Department for 35 years and later became active with the Garden Fire Department, Garden, MI, for 10 years.

     Gary loved the Ithaca Community from the time he was a young boy active in Boy Scouts and school community projects. As an adult he was a member of the Ithaca Jaycees and later the local Masonic Lodge, where he became a lifetime member. He had a passion for giving back to the community he loved.

     Gary was well known in the community for his great sense of humor and always had a hunting story to tell. He loved a good game of cards, and hunting with family and friends. He enjoyed people, helping others, and easily made a stranger his friend.

     Gary is survived by six children: Lori McKenzie of FL, Mary (Craig) Gritzmaker of FL, Heidi (Robert) Dee of IL, Ward Osterhout of MI, Melinda (Michael) Kosnik of WI, and Patricia (Brent) Hinz of TX; 19 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, sister Carolyn (John) Pasnau, and companion Phyllis Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Amber, and his brother Robert (Mary) Hill

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Haven Church of God or Ithaca Senior Center. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.