Billie D. Smolich

Billie Diane Smolich, 81 of Bend, passed away January 8, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was born June 16, 1936 in LaGrande, OR to Claude and Pearl (Hauntz) Holbrook. Billie grew up and attended school in Northeast Oregon, graduating from Baker High School. On May 9, 1955 in Walla Walla, WA she married James Smolich. They lived in Pendleton and Portland before moving to Bend in 1968, opening Jim Smolich Motors. Billie and Jim were world travelers and it was on many of those trips that she developed a love for cooking. Always the entertainer she was always treating her family and friends to new recipes and some exiting exotic spices. Whether a card game with friends, a family gathering or one of the famous neighborhood parties she loved being with family and friends, preparing dinner and pouring a generous cocktail. She will be forever remembered for her beautiful laugh and her "arf-arf" when the gang would sing "how much is that doggie in the window?" Billie loved golf, visiting the beach, travel and playing bridge. She is survived by her daughter- Karyn Kotkins and her husband Fred; sons- Mike Smolich and Don Smolich & his companion Kyla; a brother- Larry Holbrook and his wife Suzi; 8 grandchildren and spouses- Andrew & Brittany Smolich, Katherine & Rudy Lobos, Luke Smolich, Megan & Marty Mendoza , James Kotkins , Jasper Kotkins, Dakin Macgowan and Raynee Macgowan; 5 great grandchildren- Parker, Presley, Paxton, Teddy and Penn. As well as a host of other family & friends. A public viewing will take place at Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home, 108 NW Irving Street, Bend, Oregon, Friday, January 12, 2018, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 11:00 AM in the historic St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Lava Rd. in Bend. Burial will follow in Pilot Butte Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Cleft Palate Research c/o OHSU Foundation 1121 SW Salmon St. Suite 100 Portland, OR 97205-2020 www.onwardohsu.org. We would like to thank all of her doctors, nurses and care givers. To the staff's at St Charles, Bend Memorial Clinic, and the Bend fire dept thank you so much for all of you compassion. To the amazing staff and many friends at Touchmark, you touched Billie’s heart so many times and meant so much to her and Karyn.....