Billie Jean Hill was born to Daisy (Freyler) Hill and William John Hill on September 26, 1929 in Helena, Montana at the first St. John’s Hospital. She died December 28, 2015 in Helena. Billie Jean attended St. Helena grade school and Cathedral High School. She graduated from Holy Names College in Spokane, Washington in 1951 with a degree in Liberal Arts. She later attended Carroll College receiving credits in elementary, secondary and early childhood education. She was a lifelong member of St. Helena Cathedral.
Billie Jean served as Dean of Women at Carroll College from 1959 to 1967. In 1967 she was hired by Mike Murray as a teacher’s aide in Head Start; she eventually became a teacher, Education Director, and finally Director of Head Start. One of her great accomplishments was testifying before Congress on behalf of Head Start.
Billie Jean was a social worker at heart and showed much compassion to those less fortunate. She enjoyed bowling and playing bridge and poker and developed many friendships through these activities. Billie Jean loved animals and always took great care of them; she always had a pet by her side.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lois and longtime friends, Marion Ward, J.P. Sullivan, Alyce Duncan, Walter Duncan, Sr. and Pudgy Finstad. She is survived by her sister, Donna Johnson; nieces Loreen Robinson and Deena Hough, nephew Dan Johnson, and special friends Joan Duncan, Patty Dahl, Judy Will, and Gavin Bjork and her kitty Beau.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Retz Funeral Home. Services will be held at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jorgensons restaurant says
You will be missed greatly at jorgenson. We love you Billie jean
Clare Ward-Jenkins says
I hope she has a baby blue VW bug in heaven with two black standard poodles in the back. Billie Jean Hill was a wickedly wonderful woman and the best friend any unruly mob of a family like mine could ask for. When we went through hell together, she never flinched. I’m know I’m stronger for having such a grand role model. Thanks for everything “Aunt” Billie.
Betty Curtis says
I will miss you bowling, Billie. We always had fun. God Bless !
Lorie Temple says
Bilie Jean was a great person with a good sense of humor. Rest in peace.
Diann Fradette says
Billie Jean was a delightful person. I bowled with her for 5 years or so. She always loved to attend our Sweet Adeline programs so would see her there. Jim knew her many years ago when he worked one summer for her Dad Bill Hill. Same summer we were engaged. ?
Billie Jean will be missed.
Diann Fradette