Jill Ann McConnell

Jill Ann McConnell, a beloved wife, mother, educator, and business leader, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026. Born on April 17, 1955, Jill’s life was marked by a profound commitment to her family, faith, and community, leaving an indelible impact on all who knew her.

Jill’s academic achievements set the foundation for a lifetime of service and leadership. Graduating as a Tri-Valedictorian from Hutchinson High School in 1973, she continued her education at Hutchinson Community College before earning her bachelor’s degree in special education from Kansas State University Summa Cum Laude. Furthering her expertise, Jill obtained a master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities from Kansas State University. Her dedication to education was honored when she was invited to deliver the commencement address to the College of Education Graduating Class at K-State. Jill’s early career included four years as a special education teacher in the Winfield, Kansas School District, where her compassionate work with children with learning disabilities garnered awards and recognition.

In 1985, Jill joined her husband, Bob McConnell, in building their financial services business. Starting as Office Manager and later becoming Executive Vice President, Jill and Bob worked side by side for nearly 41 years. Together, they laid a strong foundation for a company committed to serving others—a business that has since expanded to more than 30 offices nationwide. Jill’s leadership and vision were integral to the growth and success of this endeavor.

Jill was known and deeply admired for her kindness, humble generosity, wisdom, and genuine spirit. Her steadfast Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life, generously shared through her love and care for family and friends. She was a patient listener who always sought the best in others and a person of remarkable strength and courage, especially evident in her brave battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Throughout this challenging time, Jill’s love for Jesus shone brightly, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is free from pain and has found her eternal victory with her Savior.

Jill’s surviving family includes her loving husband, Bob McConnell; daughters Robin (Jeff) Fenn and Katy Timken; grandchildren Graham Fenn and Kaylee Timken; her mother, Shirley Hinkel-Pauls; brother, Jay (Debbie) Hinkel, and sister, Joy (Tim) Towle. She is also survived by her bonus siblings and their spouses: bonus brother Ron Pauls, John and Eleanor Pauls, Deanna and Steve Speer, Debbie and Tim Barry, Roger and Denise Pauls; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members whom she cherished dearly. Jill was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Elmer Adam Hinkel; her bonus brother Dennis Pauls; her bonus sister-in-law Jan Pauls; and her mother’s second husband, Harold H. Pauls. She also mourned the loss of her maternal grandparents, Wayne (Tubby) and Grace Edna Sloan.

A visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, May 8th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Life service followed by a reception will take place on Saturday, May 9th, at 1:30 pm, also at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Family and friends are encouraged to wear bright colors as a tribute to Jill.

Jill Ann McConnell’s life was a testament to devotion, love, and resilience. Her legacy will continue in the hearts of all she touched and through the enduring impact of her work and faith-filled example. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered with the deepest respect and affection.

Memorials have been established with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, The Optometric Glaucoma Foundation, and Envision.  

CLICK HERE to view service livestream.