Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Billie Leslie Obituary
Born: August 7, 1937
Died: August 16, 2025
Billie Leslie, 88 of Ottawa, IL passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025 at his home with his loving family by his side. Billie was born August 7, 1937 in Duquion, IL the son of the late Philip and Coriner (Kirkland) Leslie. He married Jeanette Vatland on November 3, 1957 at Freedom Lutheran Church. Together they shared 67 years of marriage. He retired from Caterpillar in Aurora, IL after 33 years of service. He was an avid outdoorsman and gardener. He enjoyed taking many trips to the family cabin in southern Illinois, spending quality time there with his family who meant the world to him. He was also very proud of his yard and garden. Winning the 2024 Great Garden of Ottawa Award was one of his proudest moments. He will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him. He is loving remembered by his wife Jeanette, his daughter Barb (Gary) Anderson, his sons Darrell Leslie, Kevin (Melissa) Leslie all of Ottawa, IL, four grandchildren Brad (Nina) Anderson, Michelle (Nick) Blacklaw, Jenny (Eric) Hackler, Jesstine (Tyler) Leslie-Frieders, six great grandchildren Jaden, Gavin and Ava Anderson, Addie and Broc Blacklaw, and Ainsley Hackler, (who all affectionately called him "BIG PAPA") siblings Richard, Sue, Jerry, Linda, and Philip, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Diana, and great granddaughter Ashlynn Blacklaw.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the OTTAWA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 1111 South LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Benson officiating. Interment will take place at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL.
Pallbearers will be Brad Anderson, Nick Blacklaw, Eric Hackler, Tyler Frieders, Jaden Anderson, Gavin Anderson, Zachary Leslie and Gregg Navarro.
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to either the family or ChadTough Defeat Foundation, (chadtough.org) 201 W Michigan Ave, Saline, MI in honor of Billie's great-granddaughter Ashlynn Blacklaw.
For additional information 815/433-0300 of www.ottawafuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billie Leslie
Sponsored by Ottawa Funeral Home.
Make a Donation
in Billie Leslie's name
Memorial Events
for Billie Leslie
How to support Billie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Billie Leslie's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
