Anna Kaye Hill, age 74, of Carl Junction, Mo., passed away Monday July 31, 2017, at her home, surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Anna was born on November 4, 1942 in Butler, Mo., the daughter of the late Ted and Edith Mae (Jones) Koontz. She received her Master’s degree in music from the University of Missouri. She started her career teaching band in Hume and Metz Missouri for several years. She taught orchestra and band in Neosho for a total of 30 years. After retirement, she continued teaching music privately in her home. Her music students remember her fondly. She was a member of the Joplin Piano Teacher’s Association, the Missouri Music Association, and the Heartland Concert Band. Anna was an accomplished pianist who had a great love for music and inspired others. She was dedicated Christian woman and a member of the Mount Hope Church of Christ.
She married William Hill in 1992 in Miami, Ok.; he preceded her in death in 2003. She is also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Thuyen Mi Thi Doan in 2011. Anna is survived by one son, Norman Butler, Carl Junction, Mo.; one brother, Ted Koontz, and wife Becky, of Sparta, Mo; one sister, Phyllis McCulley, and husband Bob of Pineville, Mo. She is also survived by her very close friend, Jerry Johnson. Her last 10 years were enriched by his companionship enjoying exercise, travel, and special moments with friends and family. She is also survived by the father of her son, John Butler.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Hope Church of Christ. Victor Knowles, minister will officiate.
The visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Hope Church of Christ prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to the Anna Butler Hill Scholarship Fund at Ernie Williamson Music in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.