Obituary of Mary Grace Hill

A Celebration of Life Visitation for Mary Grace “Gracie” Hill of Elsberry, MO will be held at 4:00pm Sunday, August 13th, 2017 at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Elsberry.

Gracie, 89, passed away Thursday evening, August 10, 2017 at the Elsberry Health Care Center.  Born April 12, 1928, she was the daughter of Harry Knight and Mary Ethel (nee Kennedy) Cunningham.  She grew up in Elsberry attending Elsberry Schools for 12 years and graduating from Elsberry High School in 1945.

She was united in marriage on November 9, 1946 in Elsberry to Henry Edward “Pokey” Hill.  This union was blessed with 2 children:  Marcia and Marc.

Mary Grace “Gracie” worked as a bookkeeper for La Crosse Lumber Company in Elsberry, Office Manager for Petrolane in Elsberry, and a kindergarten aide and Elementary library aide in the Elsberry School District.  She enjoyed working with children – particularly supporting their reading interests. 

Mary Grace was baptized in Lost Creek and became a member of the Elsberry Christian Church on June 7, 1936.  She was a member of the CWF and served as the church historian.

Gracie actively volunteered at the J. R. Palmer Family Memorial Library. She served the Elsberry community by her memberships in the Elsberry Historical Society, DNC Club, Elsberry High School Alumni Association, and various bridge groups.

Gracie enjoyed travelling to watch her son, Marc, play minor league and professional baseball; and exploring lighthouses and U. S. landmarks with her daughter, Marcia and her grand-dog, Angel. 

Mary Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ethel Cunningham; her husband, Henry Edward Hill; and one sister, Katherine Ashby. 

Survivors include: one daughter, Marcia Hill of Elsberry, one son, Marc Hill and his wife, Judi of Elsberry; and 3 grandchildren: Kevin Hill and wife, Tyger of Elsberry, Kyle Hill and wife, Tammie of Petersburg, IL, and Kara Hill Sykes and husband, Curtis of Brandon, FL.  She leaves 6 great-grandchildren: Gavin, Garik, and Gabre Hill of Elsberry, Kylee Hill of Petersburg, IL, and Kaylyn and Lylah Sykes of Brandon, FL, and many special relatives, church family, and friends.

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to:  Elsberry First Christian, J. R. Palmer Library, or the EHS Alumni Association in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 S. 5th Street, Elsberry, MO 63343.  

Online condolences may be made at www.carterricksfuneralhome.com.