Kathlene Hill
Published June 4, 2026
Marceline, MO
MAR. 9, 1937 – MAY 29, 2026
Kay Hill, 89 of Marceline, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 29th, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply.
She was the kind of woman who always spoke her mind. Whether you agreed with her or not, you never had to wonder where you stood. Her honesty could be sharp, funny, comforting, or exactly what someone needed to hear at the right moment. She had little time for sugarcoating life, and those who knew her best wouldn’t have wanted her any other way.
Behind her strong opinions and fearless words was a woman who cared deeply for her family and friends. She loved fiercely, laughed loudly, and lived authentically. Her strength, wit, and unwavering loyalty left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Kay was born on March 9, 1937, in Frankford, Missouri. She met and married Jim Hill on July 5, 1958, in Union, Missouri. Together, they spent years living abroad and on the East Coast before eventually settling in Marceline. There, Kay and Jim built a loving life together and spent the majority of their careers at Walsworth Publishing. Later, Kay founded and operated her own business, Vintage Publications.
Kay is survived by her son, Christopher Hill of Marceline, MO; her brother, Michael Kurz (Doris) of Frankford, MO; her sisters, Kelly Stangl (Wayne) of Silver City, IA, and Lee Ann Kelly of New London, MO; along with many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Hill,andher parents, Bud and Helen
Kurz.
In remembering Kay, we celebrate a woman who remained true to herself until the very end, honest, unapologetic, and deeply loved. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her.
Services will be held at Delaney Funeral Home on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the memorial service following at 11:00 a.m. An additional memorial service will be held at Adiel Baptist Church in Frankford on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a
11:00 a.m.