William Edward “Ed” Hill Jr., age 75, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 surrounded by family. Ed was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, and was a member of the first graduating class at Westwood High School to have attended all three years there. Ed served as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the North Western States Mission, which covered the states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho. At the conclusion of his mission, Ed enlisted in the Air Force and was trained as a weapons specialist. He married Valae Chamberlain in May of 1970 and was deployed to Vietnam shortly afterwards. Ed was injured in Vietnam, and sent home to recover. Later, he and Valae were transferred to Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, where they welcomed their first son, Jesse. After returning to Arizona they were blessed with another son, Valden Mark, to add to their growing family.

Valae passed away on June 6, 1984, leaving a huge void in the family. Six years later, Ed met and married Elaine Carpenter. With Ed’s two boys and Elaine’s five children, they started a new life together as a blended family of nine, experiencing all the ups and downs of a large family. Ed supported his family by working as a City Letter Carrier with the United States Postal Service for over 30 years. He was a much-loved Primary teacher and served in that calling for 14 years. Ed delighted in making people laugh, especially his grandchildren.

Ed is survived by his wife Elaine, seven children, Jesse (Rose), Valden Mark (Becky), Shauna Hansen, Shannon “Nikki” Martinsen (Randy), Donovan Hansen (Janette), Amy Stradling (Jarom), Spencer Carling (Tania) and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward and Pearl, sisters-Karren Ridenour and Sandra Pabon and his first wife, Valae Chamberlain. Services will be held on Saturday June 17 with a viewing from 8:00-9:00 am and Funeral at 9 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1430 N. Recker Rd, Mesa AZ 85205. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery at 11 am.