Darlene Dawn “DD” Hill finished her brave battle with cancer on January 5, 2023 at the age of 50. 

   DD is survived by her two beloved daughters Cassady and Jorden, her mother Toni Williams, her brother Joe Williams (Dawn), her sister Jonna Speelman (Jon), Russell Hill, grandson Stephen, nephews Eran and Ean, niece Kayla, and many friends, uncles, aunts and extended family.  She is preceded in death by her father Donald Williams.

DD was born on December 22, 1972 to Donald and Toni Williams, and came home that Christmas in a little red stocking. 

   Growing up she loved animals but she was particularly afraid of birds.  DD was a member of the 4H club and showed sheep at the county fair. She attended Ripona School and graduated from Ripon High School in 1992. That same year, on June 13th she married Russel Hill of Manteca, and moved to the Williams’ family ranch in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. They welcomed their first daughter Cassady, October 24, 1997, and a second daughter Jorden, on October 27, 1999. For many years she worked at the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN.  In 2001, DD and Russell divorced but remained friends. 

   She moved back to Manteca and continued school at Modesto Junior College, studying early childhood development and earning her Associates Degree. DD also studied American Sign Language. She worked at several Ripon schools as a child care professional for Stone Soup and RAP, and also did one-on-one student aide work. Caring for children and helping them learn was one of her callings in life and brought her great enjoyment.

DD was a huge Disney fan, especially Mickey Mouse and Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. She loved going to community events and charity dinners. DD was always proud to bake a cake for the Ripon FFA Dinner auction. She was known for watching Hallmark Christmas movies year around, and enjoyed reading romance novels. DD really loved spending time with her grandson Stephen, she always lit up when he was around, even through her tough battle with cancer. DD will be missed by all that

knew her.

   If you would like to join her family and friends in remembrance, a funeral service is scheduled for Monday, January 16, 2023. A viewing will start at 

10:00 a.m. followed by services at 11:00 a.m. at Deegan Memorial Chapel in Ripon, California. A reception will follow at the Ripon Community Center.

DD will rest peacefully at East Union Cemetery in Manteca, California. 

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Thursday, January 12, 2023