Billie Jean "Dolly" Meeks

Billie Jean Meeks, 77, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away. Although declining in health, she departed this world suddenly and too soon on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Her 77th birthday was the day before, on Monday, October 13, and her family cherishes the memorable moments they shared celebrating with her.

A selfless individual, Billie pre-planned her end-of-life cremation services with Cedar Memorial over a decade ago to lessen the burden on her loved ones. A private viewing for the immediate family was held on October 15, 2025, at the Cedar Memorial Cemetery. Following her wishes, her ashes will be scattered in an undisclosed location that held memorable, happy times for her and that she shared with her family.

Billie, born to William and Tillie (Evenson) Staub. She was a dedicated daughter who retired early to care for her ailing mother. She was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 13, 1948, and was preceded in death by her parents and their parents, and her younger beloved brother, "Jimmy" Staub, who passed away in 1999.

She leaves behind her loving husband of over 40 years, Randy Meeks, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, whom she married on Groundhog's Day, February 2, 1985. She is also survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Jodie (Michael) Murphy, and her grandchildren, Justeen Schoner and Connor Murphy, all of Marion, Iowa. Also surviving is former spouse, James "Bubba" Schoner.

Billie was also preceded in death by Randy's son, Todd Meeks. She is survived by Randy's daughter, Tina (Bryon) Ruby, and their children, Alec and Hallie. Also surviving her are loving in-laws, Ron and Reggie Meeks of Shellsburg and Roxann (Tim) Martinek of Marion.

She was known for her unwavering smile and her deep care for family and friends. She had a special knack for remembering names, birthdays, and everyone's favorite things. Known for her blonde hair and love of country music, Billie was a fun-loving and humble wife, mother, grandma, sister, daughter, and pet parent. She was affectionately known as Mom, Nana, and even "Dolly" at the Walgreens drive-thru.

A graduate of Jefferson High School in 1966, Billie's first job was as a carhop at the A&W Root-Beer franchise on the outskirts of Cedar Rapids. Her determined virtue was evident early on when, after a comical mishap of sliding under a car, she "hopped" up and went right back to work. This determination later led to her being asked to write an article for the Cedar Rapids Public Library Time-Capsule on success and "getting things done".

Billie's professional life was marked by success as she began at Western Fraternal Insurance Company, starting as a clerical worker and eventually becoming the Assistant to the Vice President.

Later, Billie had a long career at Stamats Communications and Publishing Company. For many years, Billie was a dedicated Executive Sales Assistant for the Print Department at Stamats, where she was well-known and well-liked by many prominent clients across Iowa and her organizational skills and warm demeanor were treasured by colleagues and clients alike.

Billie also worked as an optician at Pearl Vision Eye Center in Lindale Mall under one of her favorite bosses 'Dr. Blain'! He said he hired her based on her personality, experience, and expertise in sales, because he could train her to become an optician, but needed someone who could sell what he had to offer there.

She retired from the Marion Times, ending where she started in a life-long career throughout Cedar Rapids and Marion. She was appreciated for her sales and organizational skills and treasured for making acquaintances and lifelong friendships, everywhere she went.

Billie enjoyed traveling and boating on the Cedar and Mississippi River with Randy and camping with her family. She was also a talented and creative person and loved baking and crafting. She pursued various hobbies and crafts, such as decoupage, seasonal wreath making, and pumpkin carving with her grandchildren. She loved spending time outdoors tending to her flourishing green yard filled with sunflowers and flowering pots which brought her peace and happiness.

She especially loved watching wildlife all around and in particular two crows she named Heckle and Jeckle who came back every year to greet her! Billie cherished her cats and dogs. Her passion for gardening, her beloved children, grandchildren, and pets brought her immense joy throughout her life.

Billie will be remembered for her immense kindness and caring nature.

In memory of Billie, memorials may be directed in her name to Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.