Billie Jean Heitzenrater

Billie Jean Heitzenrater passed away on August 23rd in Wichita, Kansas. Billie was always a wonderful example of kindness, joy and grace. Her gratitude for a life blessed by God, family and friends was always apparent.

Billie was born on May 8, 1928 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. She was an only child, but she had close relationships with her various cousins as her mother Erma was the youngest of 12 siblings. She spent her childhood years in Latham, Kansas, Venice Beach, California and Tallmadge, Ohio. In Ohio, she met the boy next door who would become her husband. Bill and Billie married in 1948 and began a life together in Kansas that would last 46 years until Bill's passing in 1994. Together they raised 5 children.

Along with being a mother, homemaker and owning Straw's Service Station in Beaumont, Kansas, Billie served as the area's National Weather Service observer. She recorded and reported data for over 35 years. In her "spare" time, Billie received an associate's degree from Butler County Community College and a bachelor's degree from Wichita State University.

Billie lived life to the fullest in her 97 years. She was a devoted Christian. She loved teaching a children's Bible class and playing the piano during worship services. She thoroughly enjoyed reading. The local library was a favorite stop. She was also a member of a bowling league in El Dorado. She enjoyed all these things way up into her "grandma years!"

Billie was very proud of her grandchildren and taught them that fun could be found in the simple things: picking dandelions, finding a grasshopper, playing dominoes and cards around the dining room table and taking a driving tour of Beaumont. In her long life, Billie loved seeing the precious smiles of her great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was a gem of a great grandma too.

She is survived by her children: Susan McCollum, Winfield, KS; Karen Bryant, Augusta, KS; William E Heitzenrater, Jr (Debbie), Towanda, KS; Robert Heitzenrater (Kathy), Billings, MT; Debra Davidson (Don), Wyandotte, OK.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Chris Heitzenrater; Jake Heitzenrater (Erika); Tyson Ray (Pam); Michael Ray (Rachel); Jennifer Heitzenrater; Sarah Litton (Scott); Kristen Nation (Paden); sixteen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Erma (Barnes) Straw and her husband Willliam Edward Heitzenrater, Sr.

A special thanks to those who assisted her later in life: Sharon, Jim, Penny and the staff at Lakepoint Augusta.

Visitation with family will be held at Carlson's Funeral Home on Thursday, August 28 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Services to follow on Friday, August 29th, at the Beaumont Christian Church at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at the Beaumont Cemetery, Beaumont, Kansas.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Beaumont Christian Church, PO Box 16, Beaumont, Kansas 67012.