Obituary: Lorraine "Rainy" (Elmer) Hill, 101, Trout Lake

Lorraine "Rainy" (Elmer) Hill, born on March 19th, 1923, in Trout Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully on June 1st, 2024. She spent her formative years in Trout Lake and White Salmon, graduating from Columbia High School in 1941.

Rainy's love story with her high school sweetheart, Eugene "Bugs" Hill, began during their senior year. In a charming twist, they exchanged vows across the street from their school at the Methodist church during a lunch break. Thus, wedding bells turned into school bells, and they returned to class as husband and wife. 

For three decades, Rainy and Bugs worked side by side in the grocery business, eventually taking over Hill's Red & White store from Bugs' father. In the mid-70s, seeking a change, they transitioned to custodial roles at Trout Lake School, where they continued to serve their community. 

Rainy's heart belonged to the outdoors. She reveled in rock hunting, skiing, bird-watching, and gardening, but her true passion lay in hiking and camping on Mt. Adams. The mountain held not only scenic beauty but also cherished memories with family and friends. Rainy and Bugs instilled this love for nature in generations of their family. Summers always included camping at Bird Lake and exploring Bird Creek Meadows, Crooked Creek, and Hellroaring Overlook, with a gaggle of children in tow. Rainy was inspiration personified, as she continued out-hiking any newcomers to the family well into her 80s.  

The family was paramount for Rainy and Bugs. Their home became the hub for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas gatherings. Rainy's culinary talents shone during these events, and her secret Watergate Salad recipe remains a family tradition, now lovingly prepared by her granddaughters. 

Rainy's grandchildren delighted in her whimsical tea parties. They sipped tea, nibbled graham crackers with frosting, and selected delicate teacups and saucers from her collection. Dressing up in fancy clothes, hats, and jewelry added to the magic of Grandma’s tea parties on those clear blue sky summer days.  

Beyond her immediate family, Rainy made a lasting impact on the local community. Her distinctive white curly hair and warm smile became familiar sights during her morning walks. Rainy engaged in friendly conversations with the local coffee group, and their camaraderie was celebrated with a dedicated "Coffee Group Float" during a Trout Lake Fair parade. Rainy's commitment extended to the youth of Trout Lake. Her volunteer efforts for the yearly foundation sale demonstrated her care and dedication. Through these small acts of kindness and community involvement, Rainy left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her. 

Preceded in death by Bugs, her parents (Fred and Marie), brothers (Bob and Jim), daughter (Sherry), and great-great-grandson (Kody), Rainy is survived by her son (Dennis), sister (Joyce), five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Services & Reception will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 13th at Anderson's Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031). 

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