‘My sister was a rock,’: Retired KC city worker Robbie Hill-Wolfskill dies at 61
From a young age, Robbie Hill-Wolfskill had a strong desire to be of service to others. Raised in Kansas City alongside her two sisters by two caring, community-focused parents, she was taught the value of civic involvement.
Hill-Wolfskill embraced these lessons, shaping her life with the goal of being a positive influence and a resource for those around her.
“Robbie was tough and she did not play,” said her older sister Deborah Hill. “She cared about what went on around her and the people who met her.”
Hill-Wolfskill, who retired as a supervisor from the Kansas City Water Department, passed away on Dec. 22 at the age of 61. The cause of death is still undetermined, though Hill notes that her sister struggled with severe asthma throughout her life.
Her sister shared that while Hill-Wolfskill’s sudden and unexpected passing has been difficult, the family finds comfort in the lasting legacy of service her younger sister leaves behind.
Hill recalls that even as a young child, Hill-Wolfskill was always diligent and driven with a strong desire to pursue a career focused on helping others. While attending the University of Kansas, Hill-Wolfskill joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., becoming part of the organization’s longstanding tradition of scholarship and service.
“Robbie was always organized and detailed oriented, even when she was young,” said her older sister. “She was the type of person who learned the rules so she could make the system work for the people.”
Her sister shared that, beyond her work serving the community, Hill-Wolfskill’s greatest source of happiness was her family. Hill and her two sisters shared a strong, close-knit bond that endured even as they grew older and started their own families, Hill-Wolfskill was a constant presence in both her sisters’ lives, Hill said.
Hill shared that the holidays have been especially difficult for the family, as their mother passed away on Dec. 22 several years ago. She added that they are still coming to terms with the loss of her sister, who was one of her closest friends, feeling a deep sense of numbness as they adjust to her absence.
“I am going to miss everything about her,” said Hill, talking about her sister. “There wasn’t anything in my life that she wasn’t involved in so I will miss talking to her about life, the things we wanted to do and her encouragement and guidance.”
Hill said that many were surprised to learn the extent of Hill-Wolfskill’s support for everyone, from family and friends to complete strangers. She said that much of her sister’s community work went unnoticed because Hill-Wolfskill never sought recognition for her efforts. Whether volunteering with her sorority, assisting those in need within the community, or helping metro residents through her role at the KC Water Department.
“My sister just went around helping people and you didn’t have to ask her to help, she was just there to help,” Hill said.
While she continues to grapple with the painful reality of losing one of the closest people in her life, Hill said she will always cherish the love and support her sister gave her.
“I think you never really remember what people say, you more so remember how they made you feel,” said Hill. “My sister was a rock, she was a kind person and if you ever had a moment where you weren’t sure which way to go all you had to do was go to her.”
Other Remembrances
Mark Smith
Mark Smith, basketball coach and father, died Jan. 3. He was 50.
Smith was born July 14, 1974 in Kansas City to John and Glenda Smith.
He graduated from Manual Career and Technical Center and worked as an assistant basketball coach with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City.
In 2017 Smith married Krischand Smith and would go on to become a father and grandfather. Smith loved sports, cooking and having fun with his family.
He is remembered by his wife, Krischand Smith; children, Demetrius Smith, De’Marco Smith, Eric Smith, Mark Smith Jr. and Shantell Smith; parents John Smith, Sr.and Glenda Smith; brother, John I. Smith Jr.; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Jacqueline Glover
Jacqueline Glover, retired IRS worker, died Dec. 27. S.he was 86.
Glover was born on July 13, 1938, in Kansas City, Kansas to John and Ruby Henderson. She graduated from Sumner high School in 1956 and attended Pittsburg State University in Kansas.
She began working for various companies around the metro, including the Social Security Payment Center, AT&T and later the IRS where she would retire from in 2000 after years of service.
Glover is remembered by her children, Roxanne Glover, Ronald Henderson, Leroy Glover Jr. and Vincent Glover; along with a host of nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
