Joanne Kay (Moore) Hill

February 22, 1934 ~ May 1, 2025

Joanne K. Hill (Moore), age 91, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2025 surrounded by her loving family and friends—a day filled with abundant rainbows.

Born on February 22, 1934, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Helen Ackenhusen and Glenn Moore, Joanne was the eldest of four children. She was lovingly raised by her mother Helen and stepfather Ralph Ackenhusen. On June 28, 1952, she married Kenneth Hill Sr., and together they raised six children.

Joanne’s legacy is one of creativity, advocacy, and fierce determination.

In the late 1960s, she founded one of South Bend’s first crisis intervention programs—Hotline, and later chartered S-O-S (Sex Offense Services) for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. She also established Horizons Unlimited Schools, which incorporated yoga, biofeedback, and an extensive self-help library—long before such tools were widely recognized. Her innovative work in self-help and community advocacy earned her recognition as a “Crisis Intervention Specialist” from WGN Radio in Chicago. She also led grassroots efforts to preserve local wetlands and combat pollution.

A lifelong learner, Joanne was among the first women to attend classes at the University of Notre Dame after it opened to female students in the 1970s. At age 60, she earned her degree in writing from Bethel College. She launched a successful newsletter, Crafters Link, to help artisans promote and market their work, and later published her own book, Rainbow Remedies for Life’s Stormy Times.

Joanne volunteered extensively throughout her life—as a Girl Scout leader, Special Olympics supporter, and tireless community advocate. She embraced adventure and personal growth at every opportunity—walking on hot coals, skydiving, and traveling as far and wide as she could.

She is survived by her children: Deborah Sebastian, Cindy Dickason, Brenda (Kevin) Fuhs, Laura Bare, and daughter-in-law Lynn Hill; her sister Mimi (Edward) Schoelz and brother John (Rosalie) Moore; grandchildren: Melanie Stone, Jeremiah Johnson, Matthew (Renae) Johnson, Ryan Clark, Heather (Tony) Glenn, Michael (Caitlyn) Bare, and Katelyn Hill; great-grandchildren: Georgiana, Morgan, Justice (Brendan), Brysen, Oliver, Riley, Christopher, Danielle, and Anthony; and great-great-grandchild: Aries. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Hill Sr.; sons, Kenneth Hill Jr. and Henry Martin; her parents, Helen and Ralph Ackenhusen and Glenn Moore; brother Richard Moore; and sister Vicki Banke.

Joanne K. Hill lived a radiant and purposeful life—always seeking knowledge, advocating for others, and adding color to the world around her. She was, truly, a rainbow in life.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m., at Evangel Heights United Methodist Church in South Bend, Indiana.

A burial will take place immediately following the service for close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Evangel Heights United Methodist Church, the Special Olympics, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Palmer Funeral Homes – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

5/07/2025 djb

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Joanne-Hill