Nora Billy

1930 - 2011

Nora Billy of Beaver graduated to heaven surrounded by the love of her family and friends May 20, 2011 while holding on to her faith in Jesus Christ. Nora fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. She rests in the assurance of eternal glory and peace.
Psalm 116:15 states, "Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints."
Some people are confused when good people die, but when God calls them home, they are precious to him and necessary to his eternal purposes. Nora always said when it was her turn to go, "It will be alright because I know where I am going."
What is entrusted into God's care - he will keep. Her last prayer was entrusting us into his care. Nora had many positive attributes and accomplishments, but she wanted to be remembered for her unwavering and enduring faith. She prayed every day for her loved ones, community and friends.
Nora lived a multi-cultural and subsistence lifestyle. She was the last of the nomads and reluctantly ceded this when her daughters began their Western education. Nora's heart remained in the woods of the Yukon, Beaver, Hadweenjik and Hudzana Rivers. Her eyes would twinkle and shine if conversations involved hunting, trapping and fishing. Nora was a crack shot and successful hunter.
An artisan beyond compare, Nora created unique beadwork, moccasins, boots, hats, etc. She made her daughters and god-children new moccasins. Nora was a hard worker which she instilled in her daughters. Nora leaves a legacy of love, faith, cultural knowledge and work ethic.
Nora was born to a mother of the Kobuk River and father of the Koyukuk and Alatna Rivers. She was born Saturday, May 3, 1930 in the Yukon River village of Beaver to Snoko and Mary Billy.
Survived by Nora is the "apple of her eye" grandson and heir, Jordan Lee Billy whom she raised; daughters: Barbara Andon, Sherron Cates and Ernie, Darlene and Les Rich, Dorothea Adams, Birdie Billy and Richard Williams, Patricia and Clifford Bessette, Pearl and Kevin Theonnes. Grandchildren: Kim Andon, Donna Brigham, Donald, Desiree, and Dana Andon, Dawn & Ben Newman; Patrick and Tacy Cates; Lindsay and Ryan Rich; Trenton Adams; Keith Billy and Kody Vanderpool; Jaycie and Nick Bessette; and Kaitlyn and Kaiya Theonnes; great-grandchildren: Derek, Caelin and Jolie Murray; Dylan Brigham; Millena Jordan; Natalie and Joni Newman; Alex, Maleaha and Neveah Cates, Melanie Cates and Joel Lewis; great-great grandchild Lillian Cates; partner Artie Adams; sister Clara Joseph; numerous nephews and nieces, especially Edward Wiehl and family, Randy Van Dyke, Rebecca Fisher and Tenika Peter; cousin Minnie Morris. Godchildren whom she held near and dear to her heart and was always happy to hear from: Bobby Winer, Ken "Boots" Newman, Mary Jane Wiehl, Rosemary "Dee" Wiehl, Rudy Wiehl , Tom Wiehl, Shawnen Adams-Mitchel, Arlene Pitka and Greg Hope. Special friends: Snook Herbert, Clifton Cadzow, Angela Adams, Florida Gierke, Mary Nathaniel, Elsie Pitka, Barb & Mike Curtis and Ida Ross.
Greeting Nora in heaven are her parents Snoko and Mary; maternal great grandfather Maniilaq, daughter Mary; sisters, Edith Billy, Mabel Wiehl and Annie Sun; brothers, Edward, Sweeney, Clyde, Samuel and Johnny Billy; sister-in-law Ann Fisher; brothers-in-law Clinton Wiehl and Herman Joseph, Sr.; Aunt Susie Williams, Uncle Joe Sun, cousins Alta Ranum, Maggie Newlin and Archie Brown.
The memorial service for Nora, officiated by the Rev. Mary Nathaniel and Rev. Scott Fisher, will be at
1 p.m. Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Beaver. Visitation will begin at noon. A potlatch will be held at 6 p.m. at the Cruikshank School.
Thank you Nora, for having made the world a better place and us better people for having known you.