Juanita Beatrice Buckner Hill, 87, passed away Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, after battling a long illness.
She was born Dec. 8, 1927, in Kinderpost, daughter of Will and Cora Bray Buckner. She and Ray Emmons Hill were married Jan. 11, 1943.
She grew up on the banks of Piney River. She and her husband, Juanita, first lived in Tacoma, Wash., and worked together farming and gardening.
She began working at Rawlings Baseball Factory in 1955. She worked 47 years, including serving as the local union’s president and secretary, before retiring in 1993.
She re-dedicated her life to God and joined the First Baptist Church, where she took her two daughters to each Sunday and taught a class.
She was known to her grandsons’ friends as “Granny.” She enjoyed joking and telling stories. She loved being part of her grandsons’ lives and helping with the horses.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, Ray; two children, Gary Ray and Shelia Marice Todaro.
Survivors include a daughter, Peggy Lee Tripi of Licking; two grandsons; a great-granddaughter; and a great-grandson.
Services were Monday, Oct. 19, at First Baptist Church of Licking with Pastor David Jett and Pastor Rob Lilly officiating. Burial was in VanCleve Cemetery under the direction of Fox Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.foxfh.net.
