Emma Anne Hill Obituary, Emigration Canyon, Utah, Cause of Death: 25-Year-Old Remembered for Courage, Friendship and Faith
October 2, 2026
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 and is being remembered by her family for her courage, friendship, faith and remarkable ability to make people feel loved and valued. Her published obituary confirms her death and upcoming funeral arrangements.
Emma Hill Cause of Death
Emma was born with a congenital heart defect caused by a chromosomal deletion known as 22q11. According to her family’s account, doctors initially believed the severity of her condition could mean that she would live for less than a month.
Instead, Emma lived for nearly 26 years.
Throughout her life, she experienced significant medical challenges, including multiple heart surgeries, severe scoliosis, poor lung function, heart failure, developmental disabilities and other difficulties.
The family’s obituary does not identify a separate immediate medical cause of death. It describes Emma as having faced substantial health challenges throughout her life and says she passed away peacefully at home on September 29.
A Life Marked by Courage
Emma’s life was shaped by challenges that began during infancy, but her family remembered her for the determination with which she continued to experience life.
Her medical journey involved surgeries, treatments, caregivers, therapists and other professionals who supported her over the years. Her family expressed gratitude for the doctors, nurses, caregivers and hospice professionals who helped care for Emma.
They also credited the prayers, faith and support of many people who accompanied the family throughout her life.
What was initially expected to be a life measured in weeks instead became nearly 26 years filled with relationships, memories and moments her family will continue to treasure.
Emma’s Gift for Friendship
One of Emma’s most memorable qualities was her love for friendship.
Her family said Emma had a natural ability to regard the people she met as friends. She stayed connected with people through text messages and phone calls and took genuine interest in what was happening in their lives.
She celebrated the accomplishments of others, checked on friends, offered encouragement and enjoyed simply knowing what the people she cared about were doing.
Her family remembered her as someone who helped others feel seen, loved, remembered and important.
Family, Music and Everyday Joys
Emma grew up surrounded by family and especially cherished her siblings, Porter, Claire, Adam and Jane.
Although her medical limitations prevented her from taking part in many of the activities her siblings experienced, she enjoyed hearing about their lives, friendships, travels and accomplishments.
She found happiness in music, her dogs, time with family and friends, and special morning drives with her father.
Her family also remembered trips and experiences that brought her joy, including seeing the ocean and beaches, visiting the redwoods, and spending time around lakes and mountains.
Faith and Emma’s Final Months
Faith was an important part of Emma’s family’s understanding of her life.
Her loved ones said Emma’s journey strengthened their faith and taught them to pray, hope and trust in God through periods of uncertainty.
During the final months of her life, the family described meaningful moments in which Emma was able to express affection and emotion in ways that had sometimes been difficult for her before.
She gave long hugs, expressed love and shared moments of connection with family members that they said they will always remember.
Her family expressed the Christian belief that Emma is now at peace and free from the physical suffering she experienced throughout her life, while looking forward to a future reunion with her.
Emma Hill’s Legacy
Emma’s family said she taught those around her to appreciate small joys, value relationships, be grateful for the opportunities they have, face difficult circumstances with courage, assume the best in others and love freely.
Those lessons form an important part of the legacy she leaves behind.
Her loved ones will miss her voice, texts and phone calls, her curiosity about where everyone was and what they were doing, her excitement when family members returned home and, most especially, her hugs.
Although the family’s grief is profound, they also expressed gratitude for the nearly 26 years they were given with Emma.
Family and Survivors
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.
Her family also expressed appreciation for the medical professionals, caregivers, hospice workers and others who helped care for Emma throughout her life.
Funeral and Viewing Arrangements
Funeral services for Emma Anne Hill are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the LDS Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.
An evening viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, at the same location.
A second viewing is scheduled for 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, October 10, immediately before the funeral service. The obituary also states that the funeral service will be streamed through the Russon Mortuary & Crematory YouTube channel.
Services are being provided by Russon Brothers Mortuary – Bountiful.
Remembering Emma Anne Hill
Emma Anne Hill’s life was far longer and fuller than the early medical expectations surrounding her birth suggested.
For her family, her legacy is found not simply in the medical challenges she overcame, but in the relationships she built, the friendships she treasured and the love she gave so freely.
She leaves behind parents, siblings, extended family and friends who will continue carrying her memory forward.
Emma’s story is ultimately one of courage, faith, connection and gratitude—a life that, despite extraordinary challenges, brought meaning and love to the people fortunate enough to know her.