Pilar Cristina Hill (Chesney) was born on August 20, 1960, at Walson Army Hospital in Fort Dix,
New Jersey. She spent her formative years as an Air Force brat, including three years in
Alaska. Her father retired in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where Pilar went to one school district
long enough to declare a hometown.
Pilar joined the Air Force in January 1980. Her first orders after graduation from tech school
would keep her in Texas, however she quickly traded assignments as she didn't care for the
weather. Instead, she went to Ramstein, Germany, where she would soon meet the love of her
life. Pilar and Rick married in Reno, Nevada on July 17, 1982, and welcomed their daughter,
Cassie, at Travis AFB on April 18, 1984.
Pilar managed to live in California, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Mississippi but soon found herself
back in Texas. Rick's job also took them back to Germany from 1998-2000. She was fortunate
enough to travel Europe extensively, occasionally taking off on road trips with friends to Spain,
Poland, Netherlands, etc. Once stateside again, Rick promised Pilar that she could choose
where they would retire. Although she searched earnestly for many years, she decided that
Texas was home after all.
In addition to traveling, Pilar was an avid reader, a huge fan of Westerns, largely involved with
pet rescues and committed to her love of football. She also coached two girls soccer teams,
The Hot Peppers and the Energizers.
In December 2022, Pilar started battling an illness that almost took her life. But her willpower,
strength, and faith were no match, and she triumphed for three more years. During this time,
she was strong enough to take two cross country vacations and numerous road trips with family
and friends.
Pilar's battle returned in February 2026, and our Lord took her hand on March 17.
Pilar is survived by her husband Rick, daughter Cassie (Harr), son-in-law Hunter Harr,
granddaughter Haley Armstrong, sister Marsha Chesney, brother Bruce Chesney, and eleven
nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents James R (1932-2004) and Inez O. (1930-1983)
Chesney.