Jill Marita (Wall) Kirkpatrick passed away at age 85 on July 4, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, surrounded by family.
Jill was born Dec. 17, 1938, to Roy and Wanda (Givens) Wall in Danville, Illinois. She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Robert E. Kirkpatrick and her three sisters Joanna Richey and Roslie Sue and Avis Wall.
Bob and Jill married Dec. 29, 1957, at the Veedersburg Nazarene Church, where they were members until its closure. Jill served various positions over the years as a Sunday School teacher, missionary support director, choir member and volunteer on a lay mission trip to Arizona. Though Bob and Jill resided for short periods in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, Pensacola, Florida, and Washington D.C., they spent most of their lives in the Veedersburg area where they raised their three children George Andrew “Andy” (Lil) Kirkpatrick of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Lee Alan (Patti) Kirkpatrick of Veedersburg and Marita Kay (Ron) Mahan of Dayton, Ohio.
Jill was blessed with eight grandchildren, Nathan, Matthew (Kristen), Michael (Heather), Dana and Emma Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth (Connor) Hagan, Melissa (John) Carter and Ronald Mahan; five great-grandchildren, Dean, Oliver, Quinn and Ezra Kirkpatrick and Margaret Hagan; and six step-grandchildren. She is survived by her niece who was raised in her mother’s home alongside her, Shannon (Kenneth) Gross.
Jill was a lifelong resident of Veedersburg and active participant in many community activities such as 4-H, Home Ec Club, American Legion Auxiliary and Rural Youth, where she met her future husband. She graduated from Veedersburg High School in 1957. Jill worked in the cafeteria at Fountain Central High School, as a waitress at Mesa Verde National Park Lodge summer resort, as a telephone operator and at Mac’s root beer stand in Danville, Illinois.
Though Jill held many jobs and volunteer roles throughout her life, the title she cherished most was homemaker. Jill viewed homemaking as a calling and dedicated her life to creating a joyous home and contributing to her community. Jill and Bob built their family home physically, designing every room and gathering space; but Jill poured love into emotionally maintaining the spirit of the home so that neighbors, friends, and strangers alike knew they would be welcomed with open arms and offered a friendly ear and family meal. She was generous with her friendship and gave liberally of her time and love. Even when she was no longer able to entertain in her own home, Jill made it a priority to write to loved ones. Jill enjoyed sewing, needlecraft, ceramics, birds, and gardening. She had a profound love for her family and enjoyed sharing stories of her many descendants in all their endeavors around the world.
Jill’s family will receive guests 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 at Family and Friends Funeral Home in Wingate. Funeral services will be held at Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, with Pastor Greg McDonald officiating and assisted by her grandson Pastor Matthew Kirkpatrick. Burial services will follow in Meharry Cemetery in Wingate.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jill’s name to the Charles Forrest American Legion Auxiliary or the Southeast Fountain Community Foundation.
Visit online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.
