STEELEVILLE - Arlene Louise Hill (also known as "Ma" by friends and family), 75, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2014, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO. Arlene was born in St. Louis, MO on December 11, 1938, the daughter of Bert L. Wells and Margaret Korte Wells. Arlene was a retired Teacher's Assistant from Carbondale High School and loved teaching and helping others. She was an advocate for individuals with special needs. Arlene enjoyed reading, cooking, antiquing, and spending time with family and friends. She was the Bremen Precinct Democrat Committeeman and a member of the Pierre Menard Democrat Club. Arlene touched the lives of so many people with her generosity, loving nature as well as her spunky attitude. Arlene is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ralph Dean Hill; mother, Margaret McDowell; two sons, Leslie (Bonnie) Hill and Dale (Barb) Hill; one daughter, Leah Hammel; three granddaughters, Deana Hill, Brittany (Drew) Ellis, and Lindsay Hammel; one grandson, Kyle Hill; one great granddaughter, Taylor Hill; one step granddaughter, Nicole Grein; one step grandson, Shane Caraker; one half-sister, Gail Wells Cozart; and countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know her. Arlene was preceded in death by her grandparents, Henry and Mary Korte; brother, Bert Henry Wells; and grandson, Ferron Hill. Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of her Life on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Steeleville Baptist Church in Steeleville, IL with a reception following. Another service will be held at the Hill residence in Steeleville at a later date to spread her ashes next to her grandson, Ferron Hill. The preferred form of remembrance are donations to the family for an educational scholarship.