Adriana S. “Diana” Hill died on August 7, peacefully at The Neighborhoods Nursing Home in Columbia, MO.  She was 100 years old.  Diana was a long-time resident of southeast Howard County.

Those surviving her include her son, Robert “Bob” Hill, daughter-in-law Gale Hill and granddaughter Diana, all of whom live in Alexandria, VA.  Those preceding her in death included her husband, Archie L. Hill who passed away in December 1983 and son William M. “Mark” Hill who died in April 2014.

A funeral service will be conducted 11 AM, Monday, August 11, 2025 at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, with Rev. Bill O’Neal officiating.  Visitation will be an hour before the service starting at 10 AM, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia.

Diana, as she was known, was born on April 27, 1925, in the village of Paliano, Italy.  Her parents, three sisters and one brother preceded her in death.  She is survived by several nieces and nephews who reside in Italy.

Diana was a World War II war bride, meeting her future husband Archie in 1944, soon after the liberation of Rome and the occupation of the city by the US Army.  Archie was a Staff Sergeant assigned to food services in the Hassler Hotel, which the Army used for officer billeting.  Diana worked as a clerk for the Americans.  The two were married in February 1946 and moved to the family farm in southeast Howard County.

The Hill’s became noted farmers and community leaders.  Diana was active as a 4-H club leader while both of her sons were members.  She was a member of the Arnette Busy Bees Extension Club for 58 years.  Her cooking and baking skills were widely acknowledged, and she earned numerous blue ribbons and prizes for her culinary creations. 

Diana became a US citizen in 1960.  She always considered her vote for presidential candidate John F. Kennedy as one of her proudest moments.  A proud American and loyal Democrat, Diana frequently served as an election judge as well as Vice Chairman of the Howard County Democratic Committee.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Diana’s memory may be made to Smith Chapel Cemetery, c/o John Coutts, 5001 N. Locust Grove Road, Columbia MO 65202.