Lana M. Hill. age 78, of Helena

On the evening of May 2, 2026, Lana Hill passed away peacefully, among family and friends.  She was 78 years old.  She was recovering at home after a recent medical event.

Lana Marlene Belgarde was born June 10, 1947, to Lilly and Eugene Belgarde.  Her brother Barry was born a year later but passed away as an infant.  Lilly and Gene would later divorce and Lilly would move to Helena with Lana.

Lana graduated from St. Aloysius Catholic High School in 1965.  It would later be purchased by the Helena School District and become Capital High School.

Lana held jobs as a “Candy Striper” at the old St. John’s Hospital and a key punch operator at the Department of Transportation.  That’s where she met James C. Hill.  They were married July 1, 1967.  Their first home together was in Rimini.  They later moved to the south end of Kerr Drive.

They were blessed with a daughter in 1971.  Her name is Chantal.  They moved to the north end of Kerr Drive when Nicholas came along, 2 years later.  For 10 years, they were a family of 4.  Then in 1983, Andrea arrived and completed the family.

In 1991, Chantal married Andrew and then in 1998, Lana welcomed her first grandchild – Lindsay.  Then in 2000, AJ was born.  They became Tweeter Bug and Turkey Butt and spent countless hours circling the house in a Pooh Cart.

In 1997, she traveled with her mother, Grant and Andrea to Atlanta to see the Braves.  As part of their adventure, they went to the World of Coca Cola museum – which she really enjoyed.  She liked the fountains that remained after the Olympics.

Lana dabbled in crafts throughout the years – including sewing, plastic canvas and sequined calendars.  She also enjoyed baking, collecting books and ANYTHING Winnie the Pooh.  She would occasionally get a Strawberry cream frappuccino from Starbucks and Sophie would get a pup cup.

She loved animals.  When they first started out, Lana and Jim had 3 horses.  Later they bred dogs.  She has had poodles, cocker spaniels, a yorkie and labs over the years.

Lana is preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Lilly; stepfather, Grant DeLude and her husband Jim.  She is survived by her daughter Chantal (Ryan), son Nick (Alice), daughter Andrea (Jeff), grandkids Lindsay and AJ, and her chocolate lab Sophie and 4 grand doggies and 2 grand kitties.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Lana’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home followed by a reception in the social hall of the funeral home.

The family would like to recognize the compassionate people at Angel Care.  They were kind, helpful and patient with mom during the last 2 months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lewis and Clark Humane Society or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Service Schedule

Celebration of Her Life

11:00am

Tuesday May 26, 2026

Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the service

Tuesday May 26, 2026

Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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