Billie Grady

Billie Jean Grady passed away peacefully on Nov. 15, 2010 at Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville, Ca. She was born at home in Bowden, W.V., Mar. 22, 1927, the oldest daughter of Jacob D. and Elizabeth K. Tingler. She came from a large family of 7 girls and 4 boys.
Descended from pioneers, her ancestors carved out homesteads from the virgin forest in the wilderness of the Appalachian Mountains.
Born and raised on a farm, she recalled that during the early years of her life, the family still relied on livestock for working the land and for transportation into town.
Although the kids worked hard, they still had time for fun and games.
Her formal education began in a two room schoolhouse, a pot belly stove providing the only warmth from the winter chill. She often joked that she "really did have to walk to school in the waist deep snow". The self reliance learned from her parents was a defining characteristic of her life.
Billie married John P. Grady - who was on active duty in the U.S.A.F - in 1952, at Elkins W.V. A year after John was stationed at Norton Air Base, Billie moved to Southern California. She never forgot the beautiful scent of orange blossoms as she first entered the San Bernardino Valley in 1954.
Billie worked many years as a registered dental assistant, attended Chaffey College, and for a brief time taught aspiring dental assistants. After retiring in 1987, she moved from San Bernardino to Hesperia.
Billie was a member of the L.D.S. Church where she had held many positions of service. Particularly rewarding was the time spent traveling, singing and recording with the church choral group, "The Relief Society Singing Mothers". Also rewarding was the experience in teaching the kids in the church Valiant A class - a class that nobody else had been able to control. Billie served on the committee for B.S.A Troop 15, Inland Empire Council, and was directly responsible for several young men advancing in rank and obtaining Eagle Scout.
Traveling, gardening and crafts were among Billie's hobbies until her health declined. She continued enjoying reading, following the political scene on CNN, and especially in having good old fashioned conversation.
Billie is preceded in death by her father, Jacob D. Tingler (Oct.29,1973); mother Elizabeth K. Coberly (Jun.4,1998); sisters: Mona Tingler (Oct.1,1929), Bernice K. Ross Miller (Jul. 13,1995), Diana L. Simonetti (Jul. 22, 2000); brothers: Donald Tingler (Oct. 1,1929), Thomas B. Tingler (Jul. 7,1946), Robert K. Calain (Nov. 24,1996), Kenneth N. Tingler(Oct.16,1998); sons Jacob D. Grady (Feb. 26,1957), James P. Grady (Jul. 8,1981); daughter Sandra E. Grady (Oct.14,1998).
Billie is survived by sisters: Barbara L. Polce, Norton, W.V.; Brenda J. Bennett, Coalton W.V.; A.Carolyn Tingler, Elkins, W.V. Son and daughter in law Thomas and Kimberly Grady, Hesperia. Granchildren: J.D. Stanovich, Colorado; Kristin Brown, James Grady, Daniel Grady, Hesperia; Andrew Grady, Rialto. Great grandson, Logan Brown, who she loves very much.
Visitation, Wed. Nov. 24, 10:00. Service follows at 11:00, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 9533 Hickory Ave, Hesperia. Bishop William Dutcher officiating.
Mortuary in charge: Sunset Hills.
Burial: Riverside National Cemetery. Private.