Rita K. Hill

Rita Kay Hill

Jan. 17, 1942 –October 1, 2020

NOVI, MICHIGAN – Rita Kay (Kobylarek) Hill, 78, loving wife of Jack (John) Hill and mother of Karyn, Ken, Jim and Brian, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2020 in Novi, Michigan.  For decades she courageously dealt with many health challenges. She was a survivor of both breast cancer and lymphoma.

Rita was born on January 17, 1942, in South Bend, Indiana to the late William and Helen (Szabo) Kobylarek.  She attended Holy Cross Elementary School and St. Joseph High School. In 1957, the family moved to Lathrup Village, Michigan where she graduated from Southfield High School and attended Michigan State University. Rita met and fell in love with her future husband, Jack, in high school. The two were married on June 23, 1962, recently celebrating their 58 ^th wedding anniversary.

She was the consummate loving wife, mother and grandmother. Along with her husband, Rita was actively involved in the Jaycees and Novi High School Band Boosters. She sewed band uniforms and hosted parties and fundraisers for them.

Rita enjoyed the flower, herb and vegetable garden that she nurtured for many years. Rita often offered her many recipes, time and talents, even while in pain and distress.  She was a gifted seamstress, decorator, and enjoyed crafting, ceramics, cooking and baking.  Quick-witted and quick-minded, she was also a whiz at Jeopardy, Trivial Pursuit, Canasta and Scrabble. She especially loved seeing her children and grandchildren playing sports and performing in music/theater, and sought any opportunity that allowed her to be present in their lives. She proudly spoke of their skills and achievements and her great love for them all.

Rita was preceded in death by her brother, William Kobylarek, her brothers-in law, Stanley Guski, Arthur Hill, Jr, and Rudy Manns, her cousin Raymond Szabo, her parents-in law, Doris and Arthur Hill, Sr., and her nephew, David Guski.

In addition to her husband, Jack, Rita leaves behind her daughter, Karyn (Hill) Rowland, sons Ken (Pam) Hill, Jim (Carrie) Hill and Brian (Melissa) Hill. In addition, her beloved grandchildren, Nick (Ellie), Stefan, Jaden and Heléna Rowland, Lauren and Emily Hill, and Timothy, Alicia and Joseph Hill.  Also, her brother, Thomas (Judy) Kobylarek, brother, David (Susan) Kobylarek, sister, Bonnie Guski, and youngest brother, John (Carole) Kobylarek, along with sisters-in-law Denise Kobylarek, Loralee (Hill) Manns and Patricia Hill.   All will miss Rita, including her cousins, Bob (Mary Lou) Szabo, Marilyn Hardy and Phil (Sue) Radics.  Also, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephew and her lifelong friend, Cathy Lower.  Jason Kobylarek, Kate (Kobylarek) Wallace, Michael Guski and Alyssa (Kobylarek) Rossi will miss their special godmother.

Acts of kindness done well were Rita’s legacy.  She will be remembered for her loving nature, compassion, courage, wisdom, faith and sheer determination to overcome her illnesses.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Monday, October 5, 2020, at St. James Catholic Church, 46325 W 10 Mile Rd., Novi, MI 48374.  The family will gather for a final viewing and to receive family and friends prior to Mass, from 10am to 11am.  Flowers are welcome and may be sent directly to St. James on Saturday 12-4pm or Sunday 8am-1pm. Burial will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Park, 35667 Eight Mile Rd., Livonia, MI.

In an effort to minimize exposure of loved ones during the pandemic, the family has made the difficult decision to postpone Rita’s Celebration of Life. We look forward to honoring her memory at a time when it is safe to gather again, and notices will be sent at a later date.

We are asking visitors to wear masks and practice social distancing.  If you are experiencing signs of cold or flu symptoms, please refrain from attending.

Contributions in memory of Rita may be donated to The American Cancer Society , 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076.