Margaret Louise Hill Segebrecht, 96, of Leawood KS, died peacefully on November 23, 2014 at Kansas City Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.
Margaret was born January 13, 1918 in Topeka KS to Blanche and Frank Whitney Hill, Jr. She was the fourth of six children: Frank, Charles, Jean, Margaret, Betty and Joan. Margaret documented her extraordinary life story in a book she entitled Mimi’s Memories, completing it in time for Christmas 2013. She writes of graduating from Topeka High School and working at Pellitier’s Department Store. She entered Kansas State University as an older freshman becoming a member of the Purple Pepsters, serving on Student Council and being tapped for Mortar Board. She graduated with a degree in Home Economics.
After graduating, Margaret accepted a position in Chicago with Armour & Company. She represented the company as Marie Gifford in demonstrations and as a byline in many articles. While working in Chicago, she met the love of her life, Ervin Segebrecht. Margaret and Erv married on November 15, 1947 in Topeka KS. His work took them to Hackensack NJ and later back to Chicago IL.
Margaret changed careers to her most rewarding, that of motherhood, in 1948 with the birth of Linda Ann, followed by Charles Whitney in 1951 and Stephen Louis in 1955. She embraced this role, particularly after moving to Prairie Village KS in 1952. Life in the suburbs meant neighborhood parties, bridge and dinner clubs, PTA, PEO, and Garden Club. Dr. Robert Meneilly, and later Rev. Tom Are, sustained her strong faith at Village Presbyterian Church. Erv and she were active members of the Church where Margaret served as a deacon for many years.
The documentation of her life in her own words provided her family a unique and wonderful view of what she treasured the most – God, family and friends. Her stories have made us laugh and occasionally shed a tear.
Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved Ervin in January 1988 and five of her siblings. Her sister, Joan Hill Guy, survives and lives in Topeka KS. Survivors also include her children: Linda Truitt and her husband Mark of Prairie Village KS, Charles and his wife Linda of Lake Quivira KS, and Stephen and his wife Lynn of Lawrence KS. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Stacey, Charles (Megan), Sara, Mary (Cody), Jane, Brian and Ray; six great grandchildren: Irene, Rose, Chaya, Yosef, Catelin and Sailor; and many nieces and nephews.
Margaret will be buried in a private service at Johnson County Memorial Gardens next to her husband. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014, 10:00 AM at Village Presbyterian (6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village KS 66208). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Village Church Endowment Trust for feeding the underserved or Kansas City Hospice House (1500 Meadow Lake Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64114).