Obituary
Patricia Ann (McGaha) Hile “Tricia”
Tricia Hile passed away on January 26, 2025, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri at the age of 77. She was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas on October 29, 1947 to parents, Melvin & Christina McGaha. Tricia met her husband, Robert at the University of Arkansas and they married on August 26, 1967. A Good wife is a gift from God and She was an extraordinary one for 57 years. She was a mother of three children, Lisa Graef – Munich Germany, Kevin Hile (deceased), and Jana Hile – London England. She was cherished as the absolute best Gramma of all time. In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren, Tricia is survived by her brother Fred McGaha – Calhoun Louisiana.
She embraced her family with boundless love, unwavering enthusiasm, and a vibrant sense of humor, creating a home filled with unconditional support, and encouragement.
Tricia was also a respected educator in the Lee’s Summit Schools for over 40 years. Education was her heart and soul. She touched countless lives through dedication to her students. Her performance and skills were recognized with numerous honors, including being named Teacher of the Year. In her later years, she devoted herself to shaping the future of education by mentoring student teachers as a Supervising Professor at the University of Central Missouri, UCM. Her influence on students and teachers led to many improvements in education processes. In retirement. she focused her love and attention on Special Needs kids.
Tricia was a Christian with a kind giving heart. She devoted her life to helping others and lifting up those in need. She left an indelible mark on her students and community through her extraordinary generous gift of her time, resources, and for making others feel valued.
Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her legacy of love, kindness, and service will continue to inspire. Tricia will be remembered with deep love and gratitude for the joy and care she brought to the world.
Celebration location and time: Langsford Funeral Home in Lees Summit, Mo. Thursday, January 30th
Visitation 12 -1:00 pm, Followed by Celebration Of Life service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Special Olympics.
Make check to: Lone Jack Special Olympics
Include “In Memory of Tricia Hile” On Memo Line
Mail to: Patti Allison, 1213 NW Hawk Creek Drive, Blue Springs, MO 64015
Questions: 816-686-7911
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Deepest sympathy to the family and friends. Tricia is missed greatly. Such a strong, able and devoted supporter of Lone Jack Special Olympics program; athletes, families and friends. Always willing to help. Fortunate to have known Tricia.
We’re sorry to hear of your loss. From the conversations I had with Patricia in regard to Clyde Rayburn, I could sense and feel the kindness in her voice. We pray for her salvation from the grace of God.
Dear Expert, Friend, and to the best teacher ever! (Tricia McGaha Hile)
Thankyou for your love and kindness.
You empowered me with the gift of driving, showered my barracks with cookies during basic training, and played a pivotal role in my high school graduation and much much more! Your friendship and validation have been beacons of hope, and inspiring me to persevere. You saved my life, and it has been an honor to share 29 extraordinary years with you. My heart overflows with love and gratitude, and I cherish every moment we’ve shared.
To the family of Mrs. Hile, my condolences, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thankyou for sharing such a beautiful soul with me.
I will never forget the very first time that I met Trishia. She was always ready to make a new friend. I will miss you greatly. Thanks for always being so kind and thanks for always being so supportive of all of us at Lone Jack Special Olympics. Trisha always wanted to know how everyone was doing. It was amazing being your friend.
Condolences to all of Trishia’s family. She will be dearly missed by her second family at Special Olympics. We grieve with you. 🫂
Her passing is a profound loss to our Lone Jack Special Olympic family. Her smile, conversations and willingness to help will be missed by all. She was a wonderful person, friend and family member. You are missed, Trisha. ❤️
What a great wife, mom, person and educator! She was a blessing for so many students and was a joy to have as a co-worker and friend! Trish made a difference in everything she did and had a heart of gold. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tricia was a wonderful colleague at LSHS and friend, but above that all a kind and caring person. She truly went the extra mile to help others to succeed in life. She did that through her many years as a teacher, but also since her retirement as a mentor to aspiring teachers, a volunteer for student and teacher-centered organizations, and as a friend to underdogs like our homeless friends. She will be truly missed by each of the organizations she has assisted like the Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation and the LS Chamber Education Committee. She is irreplaceable. Tricia will always have a special place in my heart, and I wish her family peace and comfort. Love and prayers, Kim Fritchie
The rain today is in honor of Tricia. The heaven’s are weeping for our loss. I met Tricia through phone conversations and emails. I was in LSR7 transportation. It was an honor to work with her. Her dedication, kindness, and respect was impeccable. God bless you Tricia and all the life’s you touch.
Tricia provided a multitude Lee’s Summit colleagues with guidance and common sense along with her genuine warmth and camaraderie over the years. She was there for me from my first days of student teaching and throughout my teaching career, including the special gift of teaching her children. To you, I send my condolences and assure you of many fond memories of your mother.
Tricia was an amazing volunteer who I deeply respected. She was a champion for students and teachers. I enjoyed working with her on several LS Educational Foundation committees. She was such an interesting person with so many fascinating stories. Her kindness and generosity will be missed by many! Prayers to her special family.