Audrey Hill

Audrey Mae Hill
Longtime Roswell. NM resident Audrey Mae Hill passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016 in Fountain Hills, AZ. She was 85.

Audrey, who was preceded in death by husband, Ray, is survived by three children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A devoted wife, mother and mentor, her wide-ranging influence was inspired by an unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ, delivered through a love of music. For more than 60 years, Audrey touched countless hearts through her service as organist and pianist for several Baptist congregations. During her journey, she also molded the musical futures of young students as a highly-respected piano teacher.

Born January 14,1931 to Edna and Ora Hill on a farm outside New Athens, III., Audrey was co-valedictorian at New Athens Community High School in 1948. Following graduation, she launched a business career in St. Louis, Mo., but also began study in accordance with her long-range plan of becoming a concert pianist. Both of these life courses were altered when she met and fell in love with Ray. Together they raised three children, starting in New Athens and eventually moving the family to Roswell.

While presiding over the Hill household, Audrey also maintained a career as bookkeeper at Wilmot's, Gilbert May Ltd. and Hanson Oil. Her musical passion continued to be fired by teaching piano; her Christian service was provided as organist - or pianist - at Calvary Baptist Church, Mountain View Baptist Church, First Baptist Church and, most recently, Highland Baptist Church.

After retiring from bookkeeping, she continued her roles of church organist and piano teacher. Her philosophy of technique and perseverance resulted in several of her Roswell-based students excelling in recitals or contests throughout the Southwest.
Audrey's son, Mike Hill, is Chief Financial Officer of Schuff Steel in Phoenix, AZ and resides in Scottsdale with wife Lauri. Mike's son, Jonathan Hill, lives with wife Katie in Oswego, IL.

Audrey's daughter Patti Smith, who played piano alongside her mother during much of the latter's tenure as organist at First Baptist Church, has been a successful Internet entrepreneur and is married to Dr. Ben Smith of Roswell. Her daughter April Anderson lives in Mountain View, CA with husband Jeremy, son Jake and daughter Hayley. Patti's daughter, Lauren Dana, resides in Albuquerque. Randy Hill, Audrey's youngest, worked for 35 years as an award- winning sports columnist - most recently for Fox Sports - and lives in Fountain Hills, AZ with wife Julie.

A public viewing for family and friends is scheduled for Friday, August 26, 2016 at Ballard Funeral Home from 10 am to 7pm. A memorial service for Audrey will held at 10 am, Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the NMMI Chapel. A subsequent procession will take Audrey to South Park Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside Ray.

A memorial gift in Audrey's name can be made to New Mexico Military Institute's W.P. Brown Scholarship Fund, 101 W. College Blvd., Roswell, NM 88201. This fund provides annual and partial support for cadets with demonstrated musical interest.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, August 26, 2016
10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

New Mexico Military Institute Chapel
101 West College Blvd.
Roswell, NM  88201
Saturday, August 27, 2016
10:00 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

New Mexico Military Institute's W.P. Brown Scholarship Fund
101 W. College Blvd.
Roswell, NM  88201