Ruth Isabelle Billings

Billings, Ruth Isabelle Ruth Isabelle Billings died peacefully surrounded by family and went home to our Lord and Savior on November 3, 2011. Born in West Allis September 26, 1927 to Harry and Minnie (Betzhold) McPeek. Ruth went to West Allis Central High School where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen, active in Student Council and art, and received the Daughters of the American Revolution award at graduation. She attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Ruth was always involved doing art projects for her church and the Richmond grade school where her three children attended. She was president of the PTA and the Women's Council in the Pewaukee area. Ruth also taught Sunday school at Gethsemane Methodist Church in Pewaukee, and later was very active with Falls Baptist Church in Menomonee Falls. Ruth came from a musical family and as a child, she sang duets with her father. She studied piano at the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music. Ruth taught the organ for over 20 years at the Zeb Billings Piano and Organ Company. Later, she was a sales representative with the Hal Leonard Music Publishing Company for 14 years. Ruth sang soprano in church and many singing groups. Most recently, she was singing with the Harmony Singers Chorale Group. Preceded in death by daughter Michele Billings; former husband and friend Noel Billings; her parents; and her brothers William (Dorothy) McPeek and Paul McPeek. Survived by sons Rick Omar Billings of Houston, and Timm (Rheeda Lagadon) Billings of Chicago; sisters-in-law Kaye Meyer and Shirley McPeek; and cousin Marian Betzhold. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Church services and a celebration of her life will be held Saturday, December 17 at 11:00 AM at Falls Baptist Church, N69W12703 Appleton Avenue in Menomonee Falls. Private burial at Highland Memorial Park in New Berlin. Memorials may be made to Falls Baptist Church.