Ellen McKinstry Hill Surber

Ellen McKinstry Hill Surber, 94, of Gadsden, died March 8, 2015. She was born on December 26, 1920, in Warren, Tennessee to the Reverend John Logan and Margaret Rothrock McKinstry. She was awarded a BA in English and Business Education from Blue Mountain College, an MA from the University of Mississippi, and an ES from the University of Alabama in Business Education. Ellen married Charles Delmer Hill, and they resided in Blue Mountain, Mississippi until his death. She later married Edward Wesley Surber and relocated to Gadsden in 1956.

Ellen taught English and Latin at several public schools and was Business Division Department Head at Tishomingo Junior College in northern Mississippi. After moving to Gadsden, she taught at Emma Samson High School and Litchfield Middle School. She was one of the first employees at Gadsden State Community College where she taught Business Education for 31 years, retiring in 1994. Ellen was passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students.

She was a teacher of the Beulah Whorton Sunday School class and active member of First Presbyterian Church, Gadsden, and an active member of Rainbow Presbyterian Church, Rainbow City. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Confederacy, the Redbud Garden Club, and the RODEO Girls. Ellen loved to travel, and she journeyed throughout the world, visiting over twenty-five countries on four continents. She also published various short stories and articles, as well as two books.

Ellen was predeceased by her parents, and her husbands Charles Delmer Hill and Edward Wesley Surber. She is survived by her children: Molly Zimmer (Dr. Michael) of Evansville, Indiana; Dr. Charles Hill (Dale) of Gadsden; Anna Marie Taylor (Dan) of Birmingham; Bill Surber of Gadsden. She also is survived by her grandchildren: Dr. David Zimmer (Melissa), Katherine Zimmer; Dr. Mark Hill (Dr. Cynthia), Dr. Melinda Hallock (Dr. Justin); Daniel Taylor, Charley Taylor, and Herron Taylor; Shawn Surber; and her great-grandchildren: Ryan Zimmer, Anna Zimmer; Mark Hill, Jr., Ellen Hill, Craig Hill; and Libby Hallock. She is also survived by sister, Nancy Ellis.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 12:00 at Rainbow Presbyterian Church, Rainbow City, Alabama with the Reverends Langston Haygood and Robbie Hendricks officiating. Visitation will be held at the Church one hour prior to the funeral service. Graveside burial will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Attalla, Alabama.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the staff and residents of Cherry Creek Village, Gentiva Hospice, and devoted caretakers Monica Smith, Julie Gibbs, and Deborah Dale.

Rainbow Presbyterian Church has chosen to honor Ellen by naming the new children’s play area for her. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Rainbow Presbyterian Church Children's Ministry.