BENTON – Georgia Shapkoff Hill, who shaped the lives of thousands of students at Christopher and Benton high schools over four decades, died peacefully Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at the age of 94.
It was her wish to be cremated and that her family observe her death privately. The family asks that her life be commemorated by gifts to Benton Public Library from whom she gratefully received books delivered to her home after she reluctantly gave up driving at the age of 92. Her late husband of 56 years, Judge Robert S. Hill, served as president of Benton Public Library Board for 16 years.
Mrs. Hill was born to Atanis P. and Svette Georgoff Shapkoff, Bulgarian immigrants, and was the youngest of seven children, surviving her siblings, Anthony Shapkoff, Peter Shapkoff, Nicholas Shapkoff, Anne Rodenbush, Kathryn Smith and Julia Tafel.
Survivors include her three children, Brandon Robert Hill (Christine) of Cortez, Colorado, Hollis Hill Lindsey (James B.) of Chicago and Robbye Hill Toft (Robert F. Ketterer) of St. Louis; three grandchildren, Anneliese Toft of Chicago, Martin John Toft IV of St. Louis and Madeline Hill Lindsey of Chicago; as well as 13 nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Hill graduated from the University of Colorado and returned to her hometown of Christopher, where she taught speech and English and directed plays. She was recruited to return to teaching in 1962 when Benton High School needed someone to teach junior English to prepare college-bound students for their standardized tests. She conveyed her considerable knowledge of American literature, Shakespeare and grammar for their success – not only on standardized tests, but also in life. She peppered her teaching with historical knowledge from her travels throughout the United States and Europe.
She equally enjoyed listening to and providing thoughtful counsel to former students on personal and professional decisions and was gratified by their continued successes.
Mrs. Hill was a member of First Christian Church in Benton and was active in the March of Dimes, American Association of University Women and the Illinois Federation of Teachers. She was a lifelong Democrat and voted in every election.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton.
For more information or to sign the guest book, visit www.patefh.com.
