Ruth J. Hill

Ruth Janette Hill, 94, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, surrounded by family at her home in rural McPherson.

She was born on March 31, 1931, in McPherson, KS, the daughter of J. Melvin and Frances J. (McClain) Moors. Ruth grew up in a rural family where education was a high priority. Her parents instilled the idea in their children that a teacher was an authority, who was admired and valued in the community. As long as Ruth could remember, she always wanted to be a teacher.

Ruth’s first eight years were spent walking to and from a one-room schoolhouse. She enjoyed and excelled in mathematics. Her father was good at math and encouraged her. He was a man who did a lot of mental math, and that interested Ruth greatly. She loved her dad and knew he loved her too.

Ruth graduated from McPherson High School in 1949. She attended her freshman and sophomore years of college at McPherson College and transferred to Kansas State University to graduate in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics.

On August 24, 1952, Ruth was united in marriage to Dwight Willard Hill in McPherson, KS. This union was blessed with three children, Charlotte, Dallas, and Kris.

For 28 years, Ruth taught math to middle school/junior high students. She taught with a deep appreciation for mathematics. It was important to her to see students accept responsibility for their own learning and be self-disciplined enough to carry through with the required task. She enjoyed seeing former students grow and develop. Ruth took a personal interest in learning about their personal lives, knowing where they live, their families, hobbies and careers. She took many students to math contests across the state. They always made her proud and provided her many fond memories. Ruth was recognized at the McPherson Middle School for her outstanding contributions to education and was nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year in October of 1986.

Ruth led Camp Fire Girls as a leader or officer for 20 years. She worked with girls of all ages. She took several groups camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. She mentored a young lady to achieve the highest honor of a Wohelo Award as well as earning herself the highest form of recognition and recognizes special people with the Luther Halsey Gulick award. Ruth enjoyed investing in their young lives.

Ruth was a member of Chapter EU of PEO since 1963. She was president three different times and held several additional positions in the chapter. Ruth was an advocate of women in education.

Ruth had several hobbies. She enjoyed: taking, printing, and developing photographs; jeeping and camping with the family and flying. In 1975, she earned her private pilot’s license. She always wanted to fly, and she enjoyed the many friends made through flying activities. Ruth enjoyed playing bridge “to keep her mind active”. Ruth and her granddaughter, Hannah, played SUDOKU. They enjoyed putting puzzles together. According to Hannah, puzzles had to be completed in a day or they were judged “just too hard.”

Ruth retired from teaching in 1992. She then joined the Kansas 99’s. This is a national organization for lady pilots. She always enjoyed their flying activities and served as president in 2003-2005. Their special interest was to help women to become pilots. Ruth was a proud member of the United Flying Octogenarians (UFO). Pilots, after their 80th birthday may join, and she flew herself until 89 years of age.

In 1992, she joined the McPherson Area Retired School Personnel. These former teachers shared much in common. She became treasurer of MARSP in 1999 and continued until they dissolved. She loved people. Ruth was always ready for coffee or volunteer at the American Red Cross. Both provided helpful conversation and service.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Dwight; three children, Charlotte Keith (Charles Robertson) of Blue Springs, MO, Dallas Hill (Karen) of Los Alamos, NM, and Kris Reeve (Albert) of Salina, KS; a brother, Russell Moors of Manhattan, KS; two grandchildren, Hannah Gift (Michael) of St. Louis, MO and Brett Hill (Katherine) of San Diego, CA; a great-grandson, Michael J. Hill; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, & great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, J. Melvin and Frances Moors and a brother, George Moors.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 30, at the McPherson Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Charles Robertson officiating.

Memorial donations are suggested to McPherson County Community Foundation (for the Education Foundation) or McPherson College Auto Restoration Program in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.