Barbara Hills' Obituary
Barbara Louise Hill, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt passed away at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria on July 24, 2005. Services celebrating her life will be held on Thursday morning at 10:00 o'clock at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 Fourth Street in Charleston with Pastor Cindy Jones and Pastor Mike Jones officiating. Visitation will be held this evening (Wednesday) from 4 to 7 o'clock at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, also in Charleston. A Private Family Inurnment will be held at a later date in Mound Cemetery near Yale, Illinois. Barbara was born on December 9, 1936 in Casey, Illinois the daughter of John and Ruby (Cohoon) Hires. She is survived by her loving husband William; four daughters, Elizabeth Butler and her husband Robert of Germantown, Tennessee, Sarah McGee and her husband Mark of Naperville, Illinois, Wendy Griesemer and her husband Mike of Shelbyville, Illinois and Valerie McClellan and her husband Robert of Franklin, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Andrew Butler, Emily Butler, Keaton McGee, Elizabeth McGee, Brice Griesemer and Monica Griesemer; one sister, Jean Stanbaugh and her husband Richard of Terre Haute, Indiana; one brother, Jim Hires and his wife Katherine of Champaign, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Diane Hires and her daughter Kelly of Downers Grove, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her father and mother and one brother, John Hires. In 1996, Barbara retired from the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost of Eastern Illinois University. In her other roles as an administrator at Eastern Illinois University, she served as Acting President in 1992, Dean of the College of Applied Science (1984-1991), Dean of the School of Home Economics (1981-1984), and Assistant Dean of the School of Home Economics (1976-1981). Barbara received a Ph.D. in Education from Southern Illinois University, her Ed.S in Education, MS in Education and BS in Education from Eastern Illinois University. Barbara leaves a rich legacy of service in education, volunteer work and philanthropic endeavors. She served as a court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Guardian Ad Litem, CASA Board of Directors, Tarble Arts Center Board, Co-Chair Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System Women and Children First Campaign, First Mid-Illinois Bank and Community Trust Community Board, Lumpkin Family Foundation Central Grant Committee, Eastern Illinois University Foundation Board and Sarah Bush Lincoln Foundation Board. She served faithfully on several committees of the Wesley United Methodist Church. Her Christian faith was unwavering; she lived her faith to the end. Her awards were many, such as: President's Award (the Illinois Association of School Administrators), Dare To Be Great Award (Illinois Women Administrators), Women of Achievement Award (Eastern Illinois University Women's Council), Livingston C. Lord Distinguish Service Award (Eastern Illinois University), Outstanding Achievement Award (Eastern Illinois University School of Economics), Honored Alumni Award (Southern Illinois University, Women of Achievement Award (Business and Professional Women) and the Patriotic Civilian Service Appreciation Award (U.S. Army). "If I am going to be remembered, I hope it is for the love I have for life and others." . These words were penned by Barbara. That love was evidenced by her final gift to others. She was an organ donor. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Barbara may be made to the Eastern Illinois University Foundation -- Barbara Hill Fund. SERVICES Visitation Wednesday, July 27, 2005 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel, Charleston , Service Thursday, July 28, 2005 10:00 AM Wesley United Methodist Church, Charleston ,
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?