Savannah "Sami" Hill

Savannah “Sami” Hill, age 14, of Elkhart, passed away on October 31, 2026, at the University of Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital. Sami was born October 31, 2012, in South Bend, Indiana. She was an eighth-grade student at Northside Middle School in Elkhart, where her kindness, sense of humor and contagious smile made her a friend to both classmates and teachers.

Sami was artistic and loved to draw, especially faces and eyes, which she captured in great detail. She enjoyed reading, particularly the Heartstopper series, and playing Roblox, Call of Duty and Fortnite. Her love for animals inspired her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She also loved to travel and had already visited 36 states, with hopes of one day visiting Japan.

She is survived by her mother, Kylee (Daniel Nolte) Wertman; her siblings, Hermione Bagwell and Tayleigh Hill; her grandparents, Jack (Jane) Tiller and Angie (Eric) Hershberger; her great-grandparents, Michael (Carol) Shidler; and her aunts and uncles, Jenna (Brody) DeLaurelle, Jaden Tiller, Abigail Cline, Brenden Stopher, Bryce Stopher, Antonio Gonzalez, Aden Hershberger and Karlie Hershberger. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Galen and Margaret Shidler, her great-grandparents, Malcon and Glenda Tiller, and her sister, Macenzie Bagwell.

Sami had a peaceful, generous and caring nature. In keeping with that spirit, her family chose to give others the gift of life through organ donation. As a Donor Hero, Sami saved numerous lives, extending her care for others beyond her own life.

Visitation will be held from 4–7 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Cruz Family Funeral Home, with a time of memories and sharing beginning at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2026, at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Elkhart, with interment to follow beside her grandparents Galen and Margaret in West Goshen Cemetery. Cruz Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with her care.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Sami’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.

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