Emma Irene Koch Hill and her beloved late husband, Adolph Hill, were reunited on the 18 of Sept., 2016, Her children have pictured her homecoming where Adolph, with his typical half-smile and wink, probably said, “What took you so long?” What delayed their reunion, was a busy life that Emma led to the fullest by serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her church, her family, and her friendships. Yet, not a day went by that she didn’t miss him and their time together.
Born on the 15th of February, 1917, Emma passed away with the same beautiful strength, grace and faith with which she lived. She was 99. Emma was one of six children born to Gus and Otillie Theresa Apel Koch in Coryell County, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers, Vernon, Irvin, Albert and Harold Koch. The Kochs were farmers of German descent who settled near Gatesville, Texas. They were founders and members of the German Bethel Baptist Church, and it was there at a youth conference in 1938 that Emma met her future husband, Adolph Hill, from Kyle, Texas. They were married on June 6, 1939 and began their life together in Kyle. At the time of her death, Emma had lived in the Kyle/San Marcos area for 75+ years. Adolph and Emma were blessed with three children, Roxie, Linda and Marion, to whom they gave life, love, courage and a Christian heritage. Emma and Adolph were active in many activities, but the center of their lives revolved around the Immanuel Baptist Church. Emma dedicated her life to serving her Lord and Savior in various capacities. She taught Sunday School classes, was active in the Women’s Missionary Union, holding various offices and serving on many committees. Emma supported her husband, not only in his local church roles but on the national level as a church planter and denominational leader of the North American Baptist General Conference and Sioux Falls Seminary. Emma was the consummate helpmate and advisor with her charming, genuine and intuitive ways with people. Her quiet, “behind the scenes” contributions significantly aided her husband’s success in all areas. A gracious hostess, she was a lady who loved entertaining family and friends in her home. She could cook, sew, paint, plant and decorate with the best of them, and could put together the perfect lunch or dinner party in no time. Anyone who was lucky enough to have a piece of her coconut pie can attest to that. An active member of the Kyle Garden Club, Emma served in many leadership roles, including president. She won numerous ribbons and tricolor awards for her table, china and flower arrangements. In 1972, Emma began porcelain art painting, making exquisite pieces for her family and friends who now cherish these works of art.
One did not meet Emma and not feel that she was among the most gracious of women. Friends in every area of her life remember her caring and genteel personality. She is an inspiration to many. As she lived her final years, she was an amazing example of strength and faith living each day believing, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13. Emma was an exceptional woman who led, nurtured and prayed for five generations of her family as well as friends, pastors, missionaries and many others.
Emma was preceded in death by her husband, Adolph Hill, sons-in-law, George Kleinworth, Morris Schmeltekopf, and grand-son-in-law, John Kreiger. Her survivors include her sister Myrtle Koch Phillips, and husband Ira, of Wylie, Texas: her children: Roxie Kleinworth of Spring, Texas, Linda Schmeltekopf of Kyle, Texas and Marion Hill and wife Kay of Anderson, Texas. Grandchildren who called her MeMe, are Darla Krieger, of Spring, Texas, Stuart Cummings of Surfside Beach, Texas, Laura Lehman and husband Julius of Kyle, Texas, Bethany Medford and husband Jeffrey of Magnolia, Texas, and Christopher Hill and wife Kimberly of The Woodlands, Texas.
Great-grand children, who miss their “Grand-MeMe” are Ashley Nunez and husband SFC Maximo Nunez, US Army of Columbus, GA., Adam Gideon and wife Ashley of Humble, Texas, Chloe Cummings of Houston, Texas, Jordan and Hunter Lehman of Kyle, Texas and twins, Kaiden and Kenedi Medford of Magnolia, Texas. Great-great-grand-children are Gavin and Jakeb Nunez and Landon and Madalynn Gideon. Emma is also treasured by an extensive and much loved group of nieces, nephews, their children and grand-children from both her and Adolph’s families. Until her last few days, she stayed up-to-date on their activities, their birthdays, graduations and weddings. She is also mourned by her many friends everywhere and especially those at The Wellington, Horizon Bay and Regent Care Center where she happily lived her final years.
Please join in the celebration of Emma’s amazing life and her much awaited homecoming to Heaven. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Pennington Funeral Home, 323 North Comanche, San Marcos, Texas, 78666, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. The graveside service will be held at Live Oak Cemetery, 52 South Old Spanish Trail, Uhland, TX prior to the church service, at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2016. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, 4000 E FM 150, Kyle, Texas 78640, at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, September 21, 2016.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church Memorial Fund or a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements by Pennington Funeral Home, San Marcos, Texas, 512-353-4311. Obituary and guestbook online at www.penningtonfuneralhome.com
