Obituary
Marjorie Jane (Hill) Stowell, “Midge” or “Marjie”, was born on October 19, 1929 in Chanute, Kansas to William Roy Hill and Mary Louise (Beaver) Hill. Marjie passed away on July 25, 2025, at John Knox Village Retirement Community.
Marjie lived in Chanute, Kansas until graduating from high school in 1947. At Graceland College, in Lamoni, Iowa she received an Associate of Arts degree and met her future husband, Lloyd Stowell of New Rockford, North Dakota. They married in July of 1949 and were blessed with one daughter, Mary Louise. Lloyd passed away on July 25, 1992, on the exact day of Marjie’s death 33 years earlier.
For several years, Marjie and Lloyd owned and operated the Cloverleaf Bakery in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Marjie later worked as a legal secretary with the Bennett, Lytle & Wetzler law firm in Prairie Village, Kansas. Lloyd worked with Safeway Stores and was transferred to the Washington, D.C. area in 1971. They settled in Richmond, Virginia, where they lived for 16 years. While there, she was employed by the Hunton & Williams law firm as a legal secretary, paralegal, and later as an Administrator for Lawyers’ Services. They moved from Richmond to Lee’s Summit in 1988. Marjie completed her studies at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She then continued her career as a social worker/case manager with Lee’s Summit Social Services until she retired in 2008 at the age of 79.
Marjie was an active member of the Community of Christ Church, Woods Chapel Congregation in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She served in a variety of responsibilities in the Community of Christ church, both locally and while living in the Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia areas. She served as a local women’s leader and also a district leader. At various times, she also served as worship planner, historian, librarian, teacher, and assisted with pastoral care. She served in several roles on the Board of the Groves Senior Living Auxiliary in Independence, Missouri, including President of the Auxiliary for several years. In addition, she was a volunteer with the Community of Christ Temple Ambassador Corps and received the Temple Ambassador Corps Service Award after her years of service.
Marjie loved living in the John Knox Village (JKV) community and participated in various committees during her 19 years at the Village. Among those were the Marketing Committee, Health Affairs Committee, and the President of the JKV Resident Council. She also enjoyed working with the Jackson County Election Board on election day.
One of her many interests was “antiquing” with family and friends. She particularly liked collecting depression glass, old postcards, and old children’s books. One of her hobbies was “scrapbooking”, and she loved going back through those many scrapbooks of memories, even recently. Another passion was travel, which she did whenever she had the opportunity. She loved keeping busy and being with people. She valued her many friendships and associations with others.
In her later years, Marjie enjoyed a long and meaningful relationship with Francis E. (Pat) Hansen. She first became acquainted with Pat while they both were attending Graceland College. He passed away in March of 2014, but Marjie remained close to his family.
Lloyd, her husband of 43 years, preceded her in death, as did her parents, her three sisters (Mildred Earnest, Czerna Carlson, and Charlotte Guinnee), and her brother (Lloyd Hill). She is survived by her daughter Dr. Mary Fry and son-in-law Dr. Robert Fry of Lake Winnebago, MO; grandson Dr. Jeremy Fry and his wife Nicki Fry of Olathe, KS; granddaughter Dr. Whitney Fry of Carrboro, NC; three great-grandchildren (Caroline, Lily, and William); and nieces and nephews, as well as a host of friends.
A Memorial Service honoring her life will be held on August 15, 2:00 PM at John Knox Village Courtyard Commons, 518 NW Murray Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 64081.
Memorials may be made to Lee’s Summit Social Services or the John Knox Village Foundation.
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Lee's Summit, MO 64081
Marjie was one of the sweetest women I knew. She seemed truly interested in whatever I was saying and always made me feel good about who I am and/or what I was doing. She was accomplished with amazing skills and knowledge that she was willing to share yet was humble enough to know when it was appropriate. If Marjie said it, we listened with intent. She was an amazing, one of a kind, woman who will be sorely missed.
As Mary’s(Margie’s daughter) next door neighbor, I became acquainted with Margie. I visited her many times at JKV where she and I shared memories of our travels, our families and of our love for Ice cream! Our meetings often took place at the popular ice cream/coffee parlor. Margie always amazed me with her memories of a life lived to the fullest. I will always cherish my moments spent with my dear friend, Sweet Margie❤️
I only knew Marjorie from her family but I believe meeting her would have enriched my life. She was an extraordinary woman who lived a long life filled with kindness and love for her family and her community. Those whose life she touched will find comfort in knowing that she will always be remembered. God holds her close to him now. Linda Carlsen
This wonderful lady had a heart of gold, and I know she has wings and a halo now.
I feel to know Mary is to know her mother, Marjorie. Marjorie was a great example to all of us to set a goal and achieve it. What a giving, loving woman. She was well loved in return. May she rest in eternal peace and joy as Heaven’s perpetual light shines upon her. Mary and family, may sweet memories comfort you as we all hope our prayers do.