HOT SPRINGS — Nelta Hill
entered into the kingdom of Heaven on July 21, 2020, at her home in Hot Springs, Ark. She was 73 years old. Born in Hot Springs on July 30, 1946, she was preceded in death by her father, Archie Sutton, and her brother, Floyd Sutton. Nelta is survived by her husband of 56 years, Harold (Larry) Hill; her sister, Brenda Cox Bennie; her mother, Nellie Sutton Blaylock; two sons and their wives: Harold (Randy) and Ann Hill and Brian and Amie Hill; and her four grandsons, Walker Hill, Emmett Hill, Seth Hill, and Jack Henry Hill.
Growing up in Hot Springs as the middle child with a gentle, quiet disposition and a helpful and steady presence, Nelta attended Hot Springs High School where she graduated in the top ten of her class, enjoyed acting in school plays, and was on the Honor Roll. When she was 13 years old she met the love of her life, Harold Lawrence (Larry) Hill at her cousin’s house who lived in Larry’s neighborhood. They were married on April 3, 1965, after Larry returned from the Navy and Nelta finished classes at Arkansas Tech University. They made their home at a family lake cottage on Twin Points Road. Larry joined Nelta’s dad to work at his construction company, Archie Sutton, Incorporated, while she worked for the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. Nelta joined Larry to form Hill Construction Company in 1971, a commercial construction company that evolved into Hill & Cox Corporation and remains a thriving family business today because of the foundation built by their vision and hard work.
Nelta began her faith journey at Second Baptist Church in Hot Springs, where she served faithfully in several different capacities. She spent many years teaching children’s Sunday School and continued her passion for teaching children the love of Christ when she and Larry became charter members of Hot Springs Baptist Church in 1996. She loved attending the Hudnell Sunday School class with many of her dearest friends. She served on the board of Recovery Point Ministries, which began as a ministry of their church. One of her favorite activities throughout her life was attending Bible Study groups. For many years she attended and served as Children’s Leader at Bible Study Fellowship.
By far her greatest passion, joy and legacy was her family, from the home she created for her husband and two sons, to her tireless and joyful years she spent as Grandma. Always empathetic, she often put the needs of her family above those of her own. Her patience and love for her grandchildren knew no bounds. An enthusiastic and loyal fan when any of her children or grandchildren were playing or performing, she never missed a chance to encourage and cheer. When any of her grandchildren were sick or injured, she could offer comfort like no-one else. Setting the most wonderful example, she lived her life with faith and humility. Able to listen, comfort and advise, Nelta knew what words were needed, and when to express them. We aspire to be a fraction of the Christian she was.
Nelta loved to travel, and saw much of the world (after many hours of planning and finding the best price). She was the trusted co-pilot as she and Larry visited many national parks in her RV. She was adept at playing dominoes and loved to find a good bargain.
Her service will be Friday, July 24, at Hot Springs Baptist Church at 144 Weston Road with a reception at 1 p.m. with the service starting at 2 p.m. Pallbearers will be Walker Hill, Jack Henry Hill, Emmett Hill, Seth HIll, Robbie Cox, Jack Bennie, and Danny Myatt. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Amy Falck, Dr Bobby Muldoon, and Hudnell Sunday School Class at Hot Springs Baptist.
Memorials may be made to the church or charity of your choosing. Her memory will be cherished by all those lives she touched and enlightened during her lifetime. The family would like to express their appreciation to all who have sent their kind thoughts and prayers during their time of mourning.
Online condolences at www.caruth-hale.com.