Our beautiful, beloved mother said her last goodbye on Thursday February 17th, to be reunited with her loving husband “Wayne”. Billie lived a memorable life filled with grace, joy, and love.
Billie was born May 1931 in Elgin, Oregon, the youngest child to Fred and Gladys DeBoie. She graduated from LaGrande High School where she met the love of her life “Wayne”. They laughed, loved, golfed and traveled for 68 years of married life.
Billie loved her lifelong career as a banker and made many lifelong friends. She started at First Federal in Pendleton, Oregon. In 1969 the family moved to Boise where she worked 24 years at Provident Federal, now known as WaFed. She retired in 1993, as one of the first women Vice Presidents of WaFed.
Billie frequently traveled with Wayne on the PGA tour. She loved visiting new places, exploring historical sites, the east and west coast beaches, and new stores to go shopping. One of Billie’s favorite trips was the 4th of July, in the New York Harbour watching fireworks in a boat under the Statue of Liberty. After Wayne’s retirement they loved spending the winters in Arizona.
As a close family, Billie and Wayne liked to admit their greatest gift was their family. As her children, we like to admit one of our greatest gifts is our parents. The family never missed a reason to celebrate and be together, traveling to the beach, football games and family golf tournaments. Billie loved to garden, spend time with the grandchildren, have lunch with the girls and shop. After retirement her passion was working with the Assistance League of Boise. Those who knew her will remember her kindness, her smile, and the sparkle in her eyes. Mother, we will miss your strength, your beauty, and your class, but your love will live forever.
Billie is survived by her daughters Chris Lawrence (David), Karen Frans (Jim), and son K. Wayne Berry (Joanne). Grandchildren: Kellee Rassau, Ryan Gaston (Liz), Brian Ponder (Brittany), Dustin Ponder (Amber), Nick Berry (Pamela), and Jacob Frans. Great Grandchildren: Kristopher, Austin, Lucas, Wayne, Karl Jr., Caitlyn, Tyler, and Avery. Sister in Law Patricia Shields, niece Sheral Curtiss, and nephew Michael Morrison.
Billie was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Berry, grandson Titus Ponder, sister Barbara Morrison, brother Freddie and her parents.
A special “thank you” to our guardian angels at Edgewood Plantation Place and All Care Hospice.
A memorial service will be held, 10:00 am, Monday, March 13, 2023 at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr., Garden City, Idaho.
To watch the celebration of life, please visit: https://vimeo.com/807569909
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