Stage dedicated to
long-time public servants
by Renee Fite
City of Stilwell Director of Public Relations and Media
The stage at Adair Park was dedicated Sunday, July 12 to Marilyn Hill for her decades of service to Stilwell and Adair County. Hill was the first female mayor of Stilwell, served as Election Board Secretary, served on the Utility Board, and City Council. She retired from the Stilwell Utilities office.
The new sign on the front of the beautifully refurbished stage reads: “Marilyn Hill Music Pavilion. Celebrate Community/Celebrate Music/Celebrate Marilyn,” with the city logo on each end.
Mayor Jean Ann Wright thought with Hill’s love of dancing, it was perfect to honor her by naming the stage on her behalf. Wright read a proclamation to the crowd before a ribbon cutting and music by family.
Mayor Jean Wright cuts the ribbon with Shawna Duch and Bill Hill.
photo: Renee Fite
"Marilyn is a perfect example of a public servant. She has dedicated her life in service to other people within our city and county,” said Wright. “She is someone who took the time to listen to people’s concerns and explain to them so they could better understand certain situations.”
She loves bragging on all her children and grandchildren, said Wright. “Marilyn is known for her love of music and dancing, and still loves to dance everyday,” Wright said.
Shawna Duch, Hill’s daughter, accepted the proclamation on behalf of her mother and participated in the ribbon cutting.
“Yesterday was such an amazing day,” said Duch. “It was so nice seeing so many people come together to celebrate my mother.”
Duch’s sons and granddaughters provided entertainment. Eliza Clark, 7 and Daphne Clark, 3 sang, “A Bushel and a Peck” from Guys and Dolls by Doris Day. Ethan Clark and Alex Clark, of Norman, played guitar and sang a few songs.
"Music has such an incredible way of comforting, healing and
elevating our spirits. I hope each and every person who plays music on that stage and every person who listens to music will enjoy it as much as my mother would have,” Duch said.
Lots of family and friends were on hand to honor Hill.
“Marilyn has always been an ambassador for Stilwell, no matter the position she held,” said Sheldon Miggletto. “She always wanted the best for our community and wanted Stilwell to be portrayed in the most positive light possible.”
Larry and Jan Adair were glad to be part of the celebration.
“We enjoyed the music, seeing Marilyn’s family and coming to honor her,” he said. “She did an outstanding job as mayor and serving on the election board.
Their families were close, Adair said.
“Her father and my grandfather were friends, her father was Justice of the Peace and my grandfather was county commissioner. They had lots of fun going to campaigning events, being with people, telling stories and having a grand time,” he said.
Marilyn Hill was not able to attend the celebration Sunday, but many in her family came to honor her.
Mayor Jean Wright hands a proclamation recognizing Marilyn Hill’s contributions to Stilwell at a dedication of the stage of Adair Park to Hill’s daughter Shawna Duch, and son Bill Hill.
photo: Renee Fite
State Representative David Hardin and wife Lori were pleased to be invited.
“Marilyn’s been instrumental in this county and Stilwell, as the first female mayor, as Election Board Secretary and on the Utility Board,” Hardin said. “I’m glad the mayor thought to dedicate the stage to Marilyn, it’s a good deal.”
In high school Hardin ran around with Hill’s nephew, the late Johnny Johnson, and his brother Todd Johnson and Ricky Daugherty.
‘I’ve known Marilyn and her family a long time,” Hardin said.
That stage was built in 2012 by Gene Wilson when Hardin was running for sheriff.
“Knowing Marilyn and the family the way I do, when Shawna told me about the dedication a few weeks ago I knew I was going to be there,” said Hardin.
Another longtime family friend of Hill’s attending the event was Stilwell City Councilman Jim Spray.
“It was really neat, the park is looking nice, it was a good event, but I expected a bigger crowd,” said Spray. “I’ve known Marilyn all my life. Her son Bill Hill and my brother John and I are all life long friends. Bill and I had a good visit Sunday.”
Marilyn was an excellent mayor, he said.
“I served on the council with her for two years, from ’05 to ’07. Then she ran against Norman Isaacs and beat him by four votes,” said Spray. “Marilyn’s a special person to me, she was a good mayor.”
He recalled when moving back to Stilwell in 1991, she was working at Stilwell Utilities and set up his account.
“She was an excellent mayor and wonderful community servant, and she provided good civic service to the community,” Spray said.
The stage is now available for events; call City Hall, 918 696-7143.
