Gene LaVerne Hill

Gene, a resident of Peculiar, MO, passed away following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Gene was born in Greensburg, PA to Eugene and Florence (Woodward) Feight.
She was raised in Greensburg and graduated from Greensburg High School in 1957. She met her husband, Benjamin Hill, from Export, PA, in 1958. She moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1958, to attend TWA Flight School. Ben joined her and they married soon after moving to Kansas City. She had a lengthy career with Western Auto as a statistical clerk while Ben pursued his life long career in printing. Ben and Gene started a printing company in their home in 1974 and together, operated Westport Printing, Inc. from 1977 until 1998. Although she had no formal training or education in lithography, she accepted the challenge of general manager and production manager of the company. In her career in printing, she was on the board of the Master Printers of America and was Chapter President for a term.
Along with the printing company and raising one daughter, Gene was an avid animal lover. Dogs seemed to find their ways to her and their lives were transformed. She raised and cared for approximately 30 dogs over the course of around 50 years. Her charges included several barn cats and two parrots and 2 parakeets. She was president of The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City and was a proponent of spay/neuter programs and adoption from local shelters and rescue organizations. She adopted several of her animals from shelters. Others wandered by the business or residence or were dropped purposely. Everyone seemed to know the lady who would take in the strays. At one point, she had a total of 11 dogs.
She was always busy with projects along with working. She was involved with Girl Scouts, taking nursing home bound patients on outings, church events, square dancing, playing pinochle, local government, opening a thrift shop and whatever else she could find to keep busy. She also was a great cook and seamstress. As the center point of the family, she will be sorely missed.
Gene was preceded in death by her mother and father. Survivors include her devoted husband of 53 years; only child-Darla Ratliff; two grandsons-Benjamin James Ratliff and Evan Ratliff; sister, Joan and her three daughters.
Her Grandsons were the glimmer in her eyes and sparkle in her smile.
At her request, there was no viewing or funeral service.

ARRANGEMENTS; CULLEN FUNERAL HOME, RAYMORE, MISSOURI
(816)322-5278