Longtime Crossville business woman, Martha Ruth Brock Hill, has passed away. She was age 95. According to her obituary from Bilbrey Funeral Home, she graduated from White County High School and attended the University of Tennessee where she majored in Interior Design and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
In 1946, Martha married Lester Hill, Jr. She subsequently became associated with Hill’s Department Store in Crossville as both a buyer and merchandiser where her eye-catching Main Street display windows featured stylish fashions through the years.
Martha Ruth Brock Hill was active in the establishment of the Cumberland County Playhouse in the early 1960s and was involved for many years after in set design and various other volunteer efforts on behalf of “The Playhouse”.
Martha is survived by her sons, Brock Hill (Cameron) and David Hill (Cathy); daughter, Rebecca Hill Bailey (Jeff); grandchildren, Katherine Hill Bruchwalski (Troy), Emily Hill Kirlin (Michael), Anna Hill Dickson (John), Wes Bailey (Alexandra), Rebecca Hill, Ellen Hill, and John David Hill; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, George Lester “Les” Hill, Jr.; and son, George Lester Hill III, who passed away at the age of two.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church at 100 Braun Street. Burial will follow immediately after at Crossville City Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the service.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Cumberland County Playhouse, Hospice of Cumberland County, or a charity of your choosing.
(Photo courtesy Bilbrey Funeral Home)