Emma Anne Hill

Emma Anne Hill, 25, of Emigration Canyon, Utah, passed away peacefully at home on September 29, 2026. She was the beloved firstborn daughter of Casey and Kysha Hill.

Emma was born with a congenital heart defect caused by a chromosomal deletion called 22q11. At the time, life expectancy for the severity of her condition was less than a month. But Emma had other plans.

With the help of extraordinary doctors, surgeons, and nurses, and the prayers, faith, and blessings of hundreds of people, Emma fought from her first day and kept fighting for nearly 26 years. Her infancy included multiple lifesaving heart surgeries and many complications. Throughout her life, she faced significant health and developmental challenges, including severe and painful scoliosis, poor lung function, heart failure, developmental disabilities, and mental health challenges. The pain and difficulties were persistent, but so were her grit, determination, and desire to live and enjoy life. She faced more than most of us could imagine while bringing immeasurable joy into the lives of those who loved her.

As remarkable as Emma’s courage was, her example of friendship may be her greatest legacy. Emma saw everyone she met as her friend. You didn’t just meet Emma—you became her friend. And there was a pretty good chance you also became her texting buddy.

Emma was quick to reach out with a text or phone call and always wanted to know what was happening in the lives of others. Whether checking on someone, celebrating an accomplishment, offering encouragement, or simply wanting to spend time together, she made people feel seen, loved, remembered, and important. Her world was filled with friends because that was how she chose to see people. She brought Christlike love to her relationships.

Emma grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. Her parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends filled her life with companionship, laughter, and countless memories. She especially cherished her siblings, Porter, Claire, Adam, and Jane. Although her limitations kept her from experiencing many of the things they experienced, she found enormous joy in their lives. She loved hearing about their dates, driving, dancing, friendships, adventures, and travels. Their experiences and accomplishments became a source of happiness she shared wholeheartedly.

Despite the physical pain, frustration, and anxiety that were part of her daily life, Emma found happiness in simple and meaningful moments. She loved music, her dogs, visits with family and friends, and special morning drives with her dad. She also experienced treasured adventures with her family: seeing the ocean and beaches, walking among the redwoods, and visiting lakes and mountains.

Some of Emma’s most meaningful friendships were with the people who cared for her. Doctors, nurses, therapists, caregivers, and hospice professionals became cherished parts of her life and our family’s story. We will always be grateful for their skill and for the kindness, compassion, patience, dignity, and love they showed her. We are equally grateful for every prayer offered on her behalf and every person who helped us care for and love Emma.

From the beginning, when so much was uncertain, Emma’s life taught our family to pray, to hope, and to trust in God. Many times, we reached what we feared was the end, only to be sustained by God, Emma’s indomitable spirit, and the good people surrounding us. We did not always understand why her road was so difficult, but we felt God’s love through those people and through the small miracles and tender mercies along the way. Nearly 26 years we never expected became nearly 26 years we will forever cherish.

In the final months of Emma’s life, we received a precious gift. She became able to express emotion and affection in ways that had often been difficult for her. She gave long, warm hugs, expressed her love, and connected with her family in ways we will always treasure. At times, it felt as though she was giving us a glimpse of something beyond this life—a peace and love words cannot fully describe. We know Emma knew she was loved, and we find comfort in believing she was being prepared to be welcomed home.

We are grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and for the knowledge that death is not the end. Emma’s body has finished its exhausting fight. We believe she is now whole, at peace, and free from pain, enjoying a joyful reunion with one of her favorite people, her Grandma Dixie. Because of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we look forward with faith to our own reunion with Emma.

Emma taught us to notice small joys, value relationships over things, be grateful for our bodies and opportunities, face difficult things with courage, assume the best of others, and love freely.

We will miss her sweet voice, her texts and phone calls, her curiosity about where we were and what we were doing, her excitement when we came home, and especially her hugs. Our grief is deep, but so are our gratitude, love, and hope.

Emma is survived by her parents, Casey and Kysha Hill; her siblings, Porter, Claire, Adam, and Jane; her extended family; and her best friend, Nanny Jane.

Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the LDS Stake Center, 1320 Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. An evening viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the church. A morning viewing will take place on Saturday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory YouTube Channel and on this obituary below.