Aaron Paul Hiller
Aaron Paul Hiller, 55, passed away on July 4, 2026, in Lustre, Montana.
Aaron was born on April 21, 1971, at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to Philip and Betty Hiller. As the oldest of five children born into an Air Force family, his childhood took him to many cities, including George Air Force Base and Edwards Air Force Base in California, and Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico before eventually settling in Las Vegas, Nevada. These experiences helped shape the adaptable man he would become.
Aaron earned an Associate Degree from New Mexico State University in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Throughout his life, he worked in a variety of fields, including bartending, food service, petroleum logistics management, sales, and convenience store management. He approached each role with intelligence, determination, and a desire to serve others.
One of Aaron's earliest accomplishments was achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor he carried with pride throughout his life. He attended Philmont Scout Ranch twice, experiences that deepened his appreciation for the outdoors and adventure. Of all his accomplishments, however, Aaron considered being a father to his two boys his greatest blessing.
Aaron married Jennifer Rice in June 1999 at St. Joseph Husband of Mary. They had two children, Ethan Hiller in 2000 and Noah Hiller in April 2002. Married for 17 years, Aaron felt their boys were their greatest accomplishment.
Aaron gave back to his community by coaching youth baseball and helping where he could with his church, often doing maintenance. He was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Roman Catholic Church, and during the last four years of his life found fellowship and spiritual community among the Mennonites in his Montana community. He found particular comfort in learning about Jesus Christ in the television series The Chosen, deeply connecting with its portrayal of Jesus' compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance of people just as they are.
Aaron loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his dad. He enjoyed watching movies and history documentaries, playing board games, antique shopping in search of hidden treasures, and spending hours building LEGO creations with his nieces and nephews. He had a special affection for animals, especially his beloved dogs and later, a tabby cat.
But his greatest joy was spending time with his two sons, Ethan and Noah, his family, and meeting his precious granddaughter, Jinora. Family traditions like opening Advent calendars together and celebrating Independence Day with fireworks created lasting memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Aaron was an introspective and intelligent man who longed for meaningful connection and a place where he truly belonged. He possessed a remarkable gift for connecting with young people, who were naturally drawn to his genuine curiosity about their lives and his caring heart. He dreamed of becoming a counselor, hoping one day to help those who were disadvantaged and to make a lasting difference in their lives.
One of his son Noah’s favorite memories of his dad came during a time Aaron took Noah out to the ballfields to test a brand new bat and told him if he hit a homerun they could go get slurpees from the corner store. Noah kept just barely missing the home run, but Aaron kept encouraging him to keep trying and not give up. After what felt like 100 tries, they went to 7-11 anyway for the treat, because Aaron wanted to show Noah that it was effort that counted. Noah said, “My dad taught me to be sure of my choices and give things more thought before making a decision. He always encouraged me to follow my dreams even when things got tough. He supported my path, whichever way I chose.”
Aaron was preceded in death by his fraternal grandparents, Hugh and Loreine Hiller; his maternal grandparents, Ed and Loraine Heezen; and his aunt, Delores Neimann.
He is thoughtfully remembered by his two sons, Ethan (Faith) Hiller and Noah Hiller; his cherished granddaughter, Jinora; his parents, Philip and Betty Hiller; his sisters, Leah Hiller and Jonelle MacDonald (Ken); his brothers, Matthew (Shannon) Hiller and Nicholas (Jolyne) Hiller; his nephews, Miles and Henry Hiller; his nieces, Genevieve Goodin and Claire and Penelope Hiller; as well as many beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Though Aaron's journey was not without hardship, his life was marked by perseverance, compassion, faith, and an enduring love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, and hope that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." —
