Billie Jane HELLER

HELLER, Billie Jane,90, died on June 12, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born on February 2, 1922 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Lloyd McKinley and Jess McCann Bryan. She attended the University of Minnesota, University of Colorado, and the University of Nebraska. After her husband, Lt. William H Startzer was killed in a training exercise near Williams Air Force base in Mesa, AZ; she joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary during WWII. In 1944 she married Lt. Commander Frederick C. Heller in the Chapel at the Boston Naval Shipyard in 1944. After the war, she moved to Philadelphia, PA where she raised two sons. She enjoyed playing golf and skiing and loved spending time at their family vacation home near Manchester, Vermont. In 1980, she moved to Mesa and enjoyed retirement at Leisure World. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years, Frederick C. Heller. She is survived by her two sons, Frederick and James; five grandsons, Christopher, Tripp, Bryan, Jeffery, and Matthew and, five great grandchildren Emmy, Molly, Finley, Jackson and Caroline. At her request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 52177, Phoenix, AZ 85072. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home 480-832-2850.