Anne Stiff Hill

Anne Stiff Hill June 14, 1926 – August 1, 2007 Anne Stiff Hill slipped the surly bonds of earth, soared on eagles wings, reached out and touched the face of God on August 1, 2007. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 6, at Crestview Church of Christ, 7129 Delhi Road, Waco with ministers, Edward James and Bert Mercer officiating. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Ridge Park Cemetery in Hillsboro, TX. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, August 5 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Anne was born in Hillsboro, TX on June 14 Flag Day 1926. Anne was a unique and creative individual, who stood out in any crowd. She was an intelligent and literate person, a singer, writer, artist and adventurer who had a great sense of humor. The most important thing to her was caring for other people. Even in her final days in the hospital, she talked and joked with hospital staff and asked about their lives. She enjoyed many adventures, including horseback riding, traveling, attending the Texas Centennial in 1936 and playing practical jokes with her many cousins. She was a beauty queen and played in the band at Hillsboro High, graduating in 1943. During the war years, she attended University of Texas at a time when few women went to college. In 1946, Walter Hill, an old friend from Hillsboro, came to University of Texas after his service in the Navy and they reunited. They were blessed with over 60 years of companionship and three children. During her lifetime, Anne achieved many things. She and Walter and several other couples helped found the Crestview Church of Christ in 1954. Her faith sustained her throughout life and she was blessed by the fellowship of church members for over 50 years. Anne sang in nursing homes, wrote the church newsletter, taught classes, and helped others through her compassion for many years until her health failed. Anne composed and played music and many people still remember her beautiful singing voice. She wrote and performed humorous plays and skits, was active in PTA and for several years was a docent at the Waco Zoo, enjoying the company of animals and children. She rode horseback throughout her childhood; played volleyball with a church group in her 40’s and learned canoeing in her 50’s. She enjoyed nature, star gazing and was fascinated by the space program, politics and history. She was happiest during family vacations – traveling by car throughout the country. She taught her children the value of learning, experiencing the world and compassion for others. She was a photographer and in later years enjoyed re-living those vacations through photos. Anne can never be replaced and she will be greatly missed. Her presence always lit up any crowd. We can best honor her spirit by being more loving and compassionate to everyone around us. In her final days, she asked that everyone try to be happy and enjoy their life as she did. She was preceded in death by her mother, Annie Mae Stiff; father, Gerard Stiff; stepfather, Jack Peters; and brother, Robert Sterling Stiff. Anne is survived by her husband, Walter Hill, Jr. of Waco; son, Loran and wife, Carol of Abilene; daughter, Andria of Austin; and son, Rod of Denton. Also surviving are grandsons, Robert and his wife, Michelle of Lubbock; and Nathaniel of Austin. She was looking forward to becoming a great grandmother in November, as Robert and Michelle are expecting twins. Anne always loved and enjoyed the company of her large extended family, many of whom survive her. The family would like to express our gratitude to the many friends and family members who loved her throughout life and helped care for her at the end. We are thankful for the care of all the medical staff at Providence Hospital, especially Dr. Clark and ICU nurse, Kristi; and the Providence Hospice Staff. Memorial contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels or Cameron Park Zoo. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey