Charlene “Charlie” K. Hill, 81, of Smithshire, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center, Galesburg, IL.
Charlie was born on May 26, 1944, in Lincoln, NE, the daughter of Lois Bockoven and Charles Laskares. After her mother remarried, Charlie was lovingly adopted by her stepfather, John Cutshall, who helped raise her.
She grew up in Nebraska and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1962. She went on to graduate from Nebraska Business College and continued her education at the University of Nebraska and Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL.
Charlie began her professional career at Western Power & Gas Company, where she worked until a fateful night at a VFW dance in late 1969. There, she met Paul Hill, the man who would become her husband just three months later on January 3, 1970. Their connection was instant, sparked by shared passions for classic cars and rock and roll. Paul’s 1969 Dodge Charger and a soundtrack of Bob Seger were the perfect backdrop to the many adventures they shared, whether they were cruising with the top down, even in winter, dancing the night away, or challenging each other to a card game. Their marriage was built on humor, mutual respect, and a deep love that carried them through life’s greatest joys and toughest trials. They cared for each other devotedly through critical health challenges, always putting one another first.
In June 1973, they welcomed their son, Jason, in Plattsmouth, NE, where they ran the Rock Bluff Grain Elevator, before returning to Lincoln in 1978. Charlie resumed her career as secretary to the Vice President of the gas company. She and Paul later moved to the Roseville area in 1981. They owned and operated Mississippi Valley Soil Testing Service. Charlie was also a talented entrepreneur, running her own catering business for a time. She had a creative spirit, enjoying wood crafting, oil painting, and bowling in the women’s league at Roseville Lanes, where Paul often served as the scorekeeper.
Charlie was an active member of her community. She belonged to the Red Hat Society, Beta Sigma Phi, the PTA, and several other organizations. She was especially proud of her involvement with the VFW Auxiliary, where she served as president and remained a dedicated member for many years.
Charlie is survived by her beloved son, Jason (Mona) Hill of Smithshire, IL; her cherished granddaughter, Chelsie (Mason) Jones; and great-granddaughters, Jersey, Blakely, and Brynlee. She is also survived by her dear cousins, Jim and Shirley Daniels.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her devoted husband and best friend, Paul Hill.
Charlie fought bravely through many health challenges in her later years, never losing her love for her family or her fierce spirit. In the end, though her body grew too tired to continue, her heart was ready for her next great journey, reuniting with Paul, hand in hand, for their next adventure together.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and no visitation or services are planned. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
