Birdena C. (Campbell) Hill, age 89 and an lifelong resident of Elwood and Leisure, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Elwood Health & Living Center following an extended illness with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born August 21, 1930 in Elwood, the daughter of J. Scott and Geraldine (Leisure) Campbell. Birdena was a 1948 graduate of Elwood High School and later attended Ball State College to study Home Economics. She was a homemaker and farmwife most of her life and also worked as a substitute teacher around Elwood for many years. Birdena was a lifelong member of Harmony Christian Church in Leisure where her grandfather, Frank Leisure, helped build the original church. She was active in numerous committees at the church through the years as well as the Ladies Aid in Leisure. Birdena was a former member of the “Mix & Fix” Home Economics Club; a former member of the Elwood Country Club; and once active in community bowling leagues in Elwood. She traveled extensively through the years on many memorable trips around the country as well as around the world visiting 6 different continents. She was formerly married to Jack Hutcheson who died in 2013, and later she married Bernard Hill. Birdena enjoyed spending time with her family; cooking delicious family dinners; walking with friends; socializing with the Frankton coffee club; and most notably - just loving people. Birdena will be remembered for never knowing a stranger, and she always took pride in her appearance. Birdena was a woman of incredible love, courage, and strength. Her smile and love will be missed by all who knew her.

Birdena’s family would like to thank the staff of Elwood Health & Living, Dr. Steve Gatewood, and the nurses of Paradigm Hospice for the caring love and support they gave to Birdena and her family over the past several years. Their kindness will not be forgotten.

Birdena’s family includes 3 children, Brenda (husband Phil) Holt of Noblesville, Jack (wife Jody) Hutcheson of Kokomo, and Lori (husband Scott) Poore of Elwood; 6 grandchildren, Reggie (wife Jaime) Holt, Ryan (wife Laura) Holt, Jack S. Hutcheson III, Zachary Hutcheson, Preston (wife Cayla) Poore, and Alli (husband David) Johnston; 9 great-grandchildren, Tyson, Quinn, Sailor, Boone, Morgan, and Rachel Holt, and Addy, Jackson, and Penelope Hutcheson; and sister-in-law, Henrietta (Campbell) Culp. Birdena was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John F. Campbell; and former husband, Jack Hutcheson.

A funeral service celebrating Birdena’s life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at Harmony Christian Church – 9043 W. 1800 North, Elwood (Leisure) with Pastor Ron Meyer officiating. Burial will follow in Grant Memorial Park in Marion.