Genevieve Hill
Genevieve “Jennie” Elizabeth (nee Hemker) Lakebrink Hill, 86, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully, with her daughter Kellie by her side, on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Life Care Center of Sullivan.
Jennie was born on February 4, 1935 in Washington, MO, to Otis and Anna Elizabeth (Stulken) Hemker. She grew up and attended and graduated from Union High School, class of 1953. Jennie was very involved in different activities during her high school years. She was a hurdler for the track & field team, she acted in many plays, and had a love for music, which led to her making her own 45 record. As a young woman, while living in Union, Jennie became a member of the Jaycee’s, she was an active member of the Zion United Church of Christ and worked as an Accountant for the United Bank of Union.
Jennie was united in marriage to Donald Lakebrink on January 30, 1955, and they were blessed with two children, their daughter, Kellie, and a son, Stephen. Don and Jennie owned and operated the Sullivan A&W Restaurant from 1961-1978. They were members of the Presbyterian Church of Sullivan. Sadly, Don and Jennie later divorced, and Don passed away in 1986.
Jennie worked for Southwest Bell as a telephone operator prior to moving to Jefferson City in 1985. She stayed in Jefferson City for approximately nine years, and during that time she worked for Dr. Bynum and then in an IRS office. During this time, she met her second husband, Russell Hill, and they were later married on August 25, 1986, in Augusta, Kansas. While living in Jefferson City, Jennie and Russell were on a rowing team together. They moved to the state of Arizona in 1994 and remained there for about twenty years. During her time in Arizona, Jennie was a part of their local bicycling club, she was a member of the Red Hat Society, the American Legion Auxiliary #30, and the Springerville White Mountain Hospital Auxiliary, where she served in various roles, such as president, secretary and public relations. She also volunteered for the local food pantry. Russell preceded Jennie in death in 2015.
After Russell’s passing, Jennie made her way back to Sullivan, Missouri, and remained here up until her passing. She was very patriotic and a member of the Republican Party. She was also a member of the Sullivan Country Club. Jennie lived a very full life and was able to enjoy many travels over the years. She was an avid reader and loved working in and caring for her flower garden. Jennie also enjoyed many other activities through the years, such as singing karaoke, dancing, roller skating, swimming, bowling, and playing cards. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her family and friends.
Jennie is survived by her daughter, Kellie S. (Lakebrink) Mason and husband Stephen of Sullivan, MO; three grandchildren: Jessica Mason of Lillian, AL, Timothy Mason of Sullivan, MO, and Nicole Lakebrink Collins of Gulf Shores, AL; nieces & nephews: Kenneth Weber and wife Kampsee of O’Fallon, MO, Earl Hemker and wife Judy of St. Louis, MO, Bill Hemker and wife Elaine of Texas, Bob Hemker and wife Beth of Arizona, Kim Smith and wife Kathy of St. Louis, MO, Amy Johnston and husband Scott of Wentzville, MO, and Bonnie Holken of St. Louis, MO; great nieces & nephews: John Weber, Timothy Weber, Katherine Mazzio, Susan Mazzio, Jamie Mazzio, Jill Hemker, Karen Hemker, Amy Hemker, Meredith Moyeur, Aaron Hemker, Jeffery Smith and wife Vivian, Lori Smith, Ginny Smith, Chelsy Johnston and husband Chris, and Julie Johnston; her former daughter-in-law, Francine (nee Schmidt) Lakebrink Collins and husband Tom, and their two children, Clayton and Sandin Collins; as well as numerous other relatives, including step-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald L. Lakebrink, in 1986; her second husband, Russell D. Hill, in 2015; one son, Stephen T. Lakebrink, in 2006; three brothers: Shelby J. Hemker (wife, Dorothy), Wallace F. Hemker (wife, Kay) and Dale Hemker; five sisters: Josephine Shaffer Weber (husband, Conrad), Mildred Hemker, Lorraine Hemker Smith (husband, Ralph), Lydia Stulken Kalinowski and Hatti Picker; and three nieces, Gerry Weber Mazzio, Verona O’Rourke and Tillie Fox; and one nephew, Freddie Stulken.
Kellie S. (Lakebrink) Mason & family would like to show appreciation to Mercy Hospital – Washington staff, including doctors, nurses & ambulance crew. Gratitude to Mercy Home Health Care physical therapy and occupational therapy nurses, bathing personnel and social workers from Washington, MO, and St. Louis, MO. Gratitude to Missouri Baptist Hospital – Sullivan staff, including doctors, nurses and ambulance team. Gratitude to Dr. Jose Remo at Mercy Clinic in Sullivan. Gratitude to Life Care Center of Sullivan staff, including nurses, cafeteria workers and housekeeping. Gratitude to Francine Schmidt Lakebrink Collins, Amy Smith Johnston, Imogene Bush, Betty Mechum, Gary & Brenda Biermann, and many other friends who helped with prayers, food, visiting at home and at the hospital through 2020 and 2021. Gratitude to Mercy Hospital – St. Louis (on S New Ballas Rd) staff, including doctors of neuro, cardio, dieticians, nurses, cafeteria personnel and housekeeping. Gratitude to Mercy Hospice nurses and doctors of Washington, MO, and St. Louis, MO. And a big show of gratitude to Travis, Blake and staff of Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 25 at First Presbyterian Church in Sullivan, MO.
Online condolences may be shared with Genevieve’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.