Carolyn Ann Risley Hill

Risley Hill, Carolyn Ann, 62, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away March 20, 2012, surrounded by loved ones, following a short but valiant battle with cancer. The retired Starkey, Inc. CEO leaves a legacy of generosity, compassion and selflessness witnessed in her service to the needs of youth and adult clients in her local, state, and national communities. Motivated by her love of family and friends, Carolyn worked tirelessly to sustain close relationships with members of the Hull and Risley families and within her circle of friends. She was born May 3, 1949, in Great Bend, KS, to Albert and Hazel (Hull) Risley. The growing family moved to Boise City, OK, where they lived until the tragic death of Albert in a farming accident in 1955. Carolyn, her mother, and three young brothers returned to Great Bend, where Carolyn attended Riley Grade School, Roosevelt Junior High, and Great Bend High School, graduating in 1967. Throughout her Great Bend school years, she was an avid participant in Girl Scout Troop #250 where she learned many of her extraordinary life skills and formed lasting friendships. She continued her education at Hutchinson Junior Community College, Wichita State University and the University of Kansas, earning, respectively, AA in 1969, BA in Social Work in 1974 (graduating summa cum laude) and a Masters in Social Work in 1985. Carolyn and John Hill married in 1969. Her professional career began with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, where she developed her passion for youth and adult services. She served as Wichita Area Director and then Commissioner of Youth and Adult Services in Topeka. She consulted for the Child Welfare League of America, across the U.S. and Canada, and then became CEO of Starkey, Inc., which serves people with intellectual disabilities. Carolyn enjoyed traveling, visiting family and friends, reading, stitching, gardening, and cheering for the Jayhawks, especially the men’s basketball team. Her parents preceded her in death. Carolyn is survived by former husband, John Hill of Aiken, SC; brothers, Allyn Risley and wife Jill, Houston, TX; Verlyn Risley and Debbie, Albert Risley and wife Elizabeth, all of Wichita; beloved nieces and nephews, Ryan Risley, Miranda (and Dan) Maupin, Jessica Risley (and Erik Reaves), Michael Risley, Erica Bogan, Natalie (and John) Morgan, Trevor Risley, Julia Risley, Emily Risley; four great-nephews and a great-niece. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 31 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 8021 W. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to Starkey, Inc., 4500 W. Maple, Wichita, KS, 67209; Cimarron Heritage Center Museum, Box 214, Boise City, OK, 73933; or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS, 67202. Condolences and tributes may be offered at www.cozinememorial.com. Services by Broadway Mortuary.

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