UTICA — Patricia Ann (Hill) Stutz, 81, passed away Aug. 27, at her home near Utica, after a short illness.  Born June 11, 1933, in Carthage, Mo., she was the daughter of Lee C. and Nellie P. (Berkebile) Hill. She grew up and attended school in Carthage, Mo. After graduation from Carthage High School in 1951, she worked at Big Smith (jeans) Company in Carthage, Mo., and volunteered with USO entertainers at Camp Crowder Army Base near Neosho, Mo. On Feb. 6, 1955, she married William Robert Stutz of Utica, in Carthage, Mo. He survives of the home where they have lived since the spring of 1959. Children include Cheryl (Ralph) Herrman, of St. Joseph, Mo., Bill (Lynne) Stutz, of Cheyenne Wells, Colo., Joy (Steve) Hembree, of Great Bend, Melody Stutz, of Phoenix, Ariz., currently living at the farm, and Greg (Michelle) Stutz, of Weatherford, Texas. Patricia had 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by two brothers, Jim Hill, of Tempe, Ariz. and Bill (Helen) Hill, of Emporia; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Hill, of Lee’s Summit, Mo.  She was preceded in death by both parents; and two brothers, Bob and Richard Hill.
Pat was involved with 4-H and the Fair Board in Ness County for 35 years, serving as project leader, Utica Meadowlarks Club leader, and in many leadership and judging capacities.  She was also very involved in the local, regional, and state activities of the Disciples of Christ Church and was a member of the Utica First Christian Church since 1960.  She had a ceramics shop in her basement and taught lessons from the 60s  through the 90s, taught swimming lessons in the summers, and had been an Avon representative for 30 years.
Known for her laugh and humor, Pat enjoyed listening to the music of her children and working with youth, whether at school, church, or in 4-H.  She had a gift of creativity and loved to organize events and special occasions for others.
A candlelight memorial service to celebrate, remember and honor Pat’s life will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, at the First Christian Church in Utica. Respecting Pat’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, the family requests you do a random act of kindness for a stranger or suggest memorials to Tennyson Center for Children, c/o The First Christian Church, Utica. Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Fitzgerald Funeral Home**
207 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Ness City, KS 67560
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Aug. 31, 2014