Ellen Hill

Ellen Louise Hill, 74, lifelong resident of Kansas City, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 after a brave fight with cancer.
A Memorial Service with a Celebration of Life Reception to follow will take place on Thursday, April 4, 2023 at 10:30 am at Resurrection Downtown, 1601 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO.
Ellen was born on April 11, 1949, to Kyle and Dorothy (Chubb) Wilch at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas. She was the third child of four children born to the Wilch's. Ellen and her siblings Dale, Leon, and Anita shared fond childhood memories of growing up on N. 51st Street. Ellen attended Welborn Elementary School, Coronado Middle School, and Washington High School. Ellen enjoyed her school years and developed lifelong friendships. In 1964, as a high school Sophomore, Ellen met Gene Hill, Jr. He was a Senior and played in a popular band, The Vibrations. After Ellen graduated from Washington High, she and Gene were married on August 12, 1967, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Kansas officiated by Judd Henry Jones. Ellen and Gene remained faithful members of Trinity United Methodist Church and within the last few years, Ellen became a member at Resurrection, A United Methodist Church, and attended services at their Downtown Kansas City, Missouri location. Gene and Ellen were married for 51 years before Gene's passing in 2019.
While Gene was serving in the Army, Ellen attended Southern School of Cosmetology in Columbus, Georgia. Upon Gene's deployment to Vietnam, Ellen returned to KCK and worked as a hairstylist. In 1975, Ellen's son, Eric was born and Ellen continued to work. Ellen's second son, Casey was born in 1977 and three years later, Ellen opened her own salon in 1980, Rapunzel's on Leavenworth Road. After 9 years at the Leavenworth Road location, Ellen moved Rapunzel's to 78th and State. Ellen owned and operated Rapunzel's for an additional 8 years. She was a well-loved employer and developed many stylists over the years. At Rapunzel's, continuing education was an important element to its success and many hair shows were attended by Ellen and staff. The staff at Rapunzel's accompanied Ellen on trips around the country and on cruise ships to learn the latest techniques. Rapunzel's would also host events for clients and the community to teach grooming and hairstyling techniques. After closing Rapunzel's in the late 1990s, Ellen went to work for California Concepts, and then in 2004, Ellen joined the team at A Cut Above. Ellen continued working until her cancer diagnosis in 2022, which culminated into 54 years in the beauty and cosmetology industry. The friendships she made over the years with fellow stylists and clients were very near and dear to her heart.
She loved traveling and vacationing with her family and friends. The Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri and also Breckenridge, Colorado were favorite vacation spots. Each summer, the family spent time cruising the lake and most winters had a ski trip to the slopes in Breckenridge planned. Every Independence Day was celebrated at the Lake of the Ozarks. For the past 20 years, Jeannie (Ellen's best friend since 7th grade) and Kenley Gann hosted the 4th of July gathering for the Hills, Saragusas and Doleshals (aka The Framily).
In 2004, Ellen's first grandchildren were born, Abigail Faye to Eric and Rachele in January and Brady Elliot to Casey and Katy in April. Then in 2007, Jackson Kyle was born to Eric and Rachele, and in 2008 Peighton Jeanne was born to Casey and Katy. Ellen dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren.
Equally important are Ellen's nieces and nephews. Many holidays, birthdays, graduations, and more were spent together making memories. Sarah, Mike, Chris, Nichole, David, Jonathan, and Michael grew up knowing they were always welcome to visit Aunt Ellen's house.
Ellen leaves behind her sons and their wives, Eric and Rachele Hill and Casey and Katy Hill. Her brother, Leon Wilch, and sister, Anita Andrews. Her sister-in-laws Denise Wilch and Stephanie Holmes-Wilch. Her grandchildren Abigail, Jackson, Brady, and Peighton. Her nieces and nephews, Sarah (Doug) Spamer, Mike (Kim) Duncan, Chris Fivecoat, Nichole (Chad) Puskas, David (Gaby) Andrews, and Jonathan (Keerthana) Andrews and grand niece Makayla Puskas and 2 grand nephews Denton Puskas and Evan Andrews. Ellen also leaves behind friends from many parts of her life including those in her beloved book club and also those from her 1967 high school class.
Ellen was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Mark Andrews; her parents, Kyle and Dorothy Wilch; her in-laws, Gene Sr. and Edy Hill; her nephew, Michael Andrews; her husband, Gene and her brother, Dale Wilch.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Matthew's Ministry an awareness, outreach, and support ministry for individuals with special needs and their families through Resurrection, A United Methodist Church Attn: Memorial Gifts 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS 66224