Louise Clara Billington

Dec. 8, 1926 - Aug. 3, 2008

BENKELMAN -- Louise Clara Billington of Benkelman died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, at Dundy County Hospital. She was 81 years old.

Louise was born on Dec. 8, 1926, in rural Dundy County to Jasper Finis and Nellie Mariah (Penn) Richard. She attended Parks High School and graduated later with her GED.

On Aug. 13, 1950, she was united in marriage to Bill Billington at the Presbyterian Church in Benkelman. To this union three children were born. She was a homemaker as well as employed at the hospital. While at the hospital, she worked in laundry and housekeeping working her way up to Executive Housekeeper.

She was a collector of antique pottery. She enjoyed quilting, embroidering, crocheting, tole painting, gardening, cooking and canning. Her family and friends were the most important part of her life.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Jasper and Nellie Richard; one brother, Vearl and wife, Dorothy Richard; one sister, Iva Jean and husband, Archie Vernon; and one sister-in-law, Fern Richard.

Survivors include her husband of almost 58 years, Bill Billington; one daughter, Jayne Marie and husband, David Bauerle of Champion; two sons, Timothy Lewis Billington of McCook and Steven Eliot Billington and wife, Debra of Cook; one sister, Phyllis and husband, Donald Whitmore of St. Francis, Kan.; three brothers, Mearl Richard and Lawrence Richard and wife, Adele, all of Benkelman and Leonard Richard and wife, Joan of St. Francis; seven grandchildren, Candace (Brent) Rogers of McCook, Ryan Billington of Omaha, Sgt. Ian (Stephanie) Billington of Austin, Texas (presently serving in Iraq), SPC. David (Emily) Billington of Aberdeen Proving Ground, M.D., Adam Bauerle of Rapid City, S.D., Jamilah Bauerle of Overland Park, Kan., and Alisa Bauerle of Champion; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with Pastor George Matthews officiating. Inurnment will be in the Benkelman cemetery at a later time.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of the arrangements.