Veloy McKell Hill November 18, 1940 - August 2, 2025

November 18, 1940 – August 2, 2025

In the early morning hours of August 2nd, our beloved Veloy McKell Hill passed peacefully in her Spanish Fork home, held by the love of her life and surrounded by the love of her family.

Veloy was born on November 18, 1940, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Heber McKell and Cornelia DeGroot. She grew up in a home full of love, laughter, and lively conversation as one of eight children—five sisters and two brothers—forming bonds that shaped her lifelong devotion to family.

On June 7, 1963, Veloy married her sweetheart, Lee Roy Hill in the Manti, Utah temple, and together they built a life full of laughter, hard work, faith, and an extraordinary family. She was the mother of six children who adored her endlessly: Cheryl (Mike) Davis, Roger (Cathy) Hill, Angela (Kurt) Hancock, Sheila (Rhett) Williams, Alece (Paul) Tomadakis, and Sterling (Lacey) Hill. Each of them knew their mom as the steady, stylish, sharp-witted center of their world. She raised them with a deep sense of loyalty and an even deeper sense of humor.

Veloy was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her testimony of the Savior and Heavenly Father was the foundation of her life, shaping the way she served, the way she loved, and the strength she carried through every season. She was a beautiful example of the gospel to all who knew her—living proof of grace, charity, and enduring faith. In 2005, she and Lee served a mission together in Billings, Montana, a sacred experience that deepened both her love for the gospel and its service, as well as her bond with her eternal companion.

Veloy was a licensed beautician by trade, but her real salon was the family kitchen—where countless perms, trims, and updos were lovingly (and sometimes reluctantly) performed. She was a legendary seamstress, stitching magic into handmade Christmas gifts for every grandchild and great-grandchild, year after year. Her kitchen calendar never missed a birthday, her cookie jar never ran out of pretzels, and her penny candy machine—always full—was a sacred stop for every grandkid, accompanied by an endless supply of pennies and love.

Her summers were marked by fruit leather, “horse food” breakfasts, and the kind of memory-making that could fill volumes. Cabin days, “Hillacious” reunions, and girls’ trips were infused with her signature sparkle—equal parts elegance and sass. Veloy could match anyone in a card game (and probably beat them), earning her the affectionate nickname “Cheater Cleave”—a title she wore with a smirk and a wink.

She brought style to everything she did—from her carefully selected outfits to the thoughtful way she made people feel seen, known, and loved. She was sweet and soft, yes—but nobody ever questioned when she meant business. She carried herself with grace and a bit of grit, teaching by example how to show up for others with unwavering devotion.

Veloy leaves behind her loving husband of 62 years and a legacy of six children and their spouses, thirty-nine grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren, —each of whom, if asked, would insist they were her favorite. That was her magic: she made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room.

In her final chapter, Veloy continued to give. She cared tenderly for her husband, just as she had her children and their children. Even as her body slowed, her spirit remained luminous—sharp, radiant, and full of joy. There was no fanfare, no fuss. She left the way she lived: with quiet strength, deep faith, and love wrapped around everything.

To know Veloy was to be blessed by her. To be loved by her was to feel treasured. She was the warmest hug, the sharpest wit, the coziest home, and the loudest cheerleader. Words will never be enough to contain her. But we’ll try, by living as she taught us: with humor, with heart, and with hands ready to serve.

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 5th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary, 187 S Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. A second viewing will take place on Wednesday morning, August 6th, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Nebo Ward building, 1552 E 750 S, Spanish Fork, Utah. Interment will follow at the Spanish Fork Cemetery.