Obituary

The Rev. Dr. Ellen R. Hill died peacefully at home, on Monday, October 6, 2025, in Irvine, California surrounded by her family.  Born in Akron, Ohio, Ellen was the eldest daughter of Milo Ratkovich and Alice (Marksity) Metzel. In 1960, Ellen received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, and married Lamar Mott Hill later that year.  The Hills moved to Irvine in 1968 after residing in London, New York, and Ohio following their marriage in 1960. It was in Irvine, where Ellen together with Lamar raised their two children.  Throughout her life, Ellen was dedicated to her family, friends, music, faith and her passion for travel.

Ellen became president and chief executive officer of Professional Management Associates, a subsidiary of the Lusk Co.  After working for the Irvine-based development company for eight years, she decided to go into the ministry. Ellen received a Master of Divinity from Claremont Theological School where she also earned a Doctorate of Ministry.

Ellen was sponsored for ordination by St. Andrew’s Church in Irvine, where she and family were parishioners. Ordained to the priesthood in 1989, she assisted at Church of the Messiah, Santa Ana, from 1988 to 1993 before being called as rector to the parish at St. Michael and All Angels, Studio City where she served for 10 years. Upon retirement, Ellen was an assisting priest at St. James, Newport Beach.

Ellen was president of the Women’s Committees of the Orange County Philharmonic Society and remained a dedicated supporter of the Pacific Symphony.

She is survived by her two children Anne Hill of Portland, Oregon;  Andy Hill (Meredith Fisk) of Newport Beach, California; her 4 grandchildren Thomas and Matthias Junker and Hayden and Brycen Hill; her sister Janet R. Kelly of Helena, Montana; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at St James Episcopal Church, 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA, Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11am with a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St James Episcopal Church, 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach , CA 92663; or the Pacific Symphony https://donate2.app/pacific-symphony/i-support-music 17620 Fitch Street, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92614