In loving memory of Billie Louise Askam, born on July 11, 1959 and went to her Heavenly Father on December 23, 2010 at the age of 51 after a long battle with cancer.
Billie was born in Spokane, WA to her parents Warren Cogswell and Beverly Crouse. She attended high school and College and graduated from Eastern Washington University with an early childhood teaching degree.
She settled down with the love of her life, Steve Askam after meeting at Church camp in Hungry Horse, MT. They began their life together in Helena, Montana where Billie had three children. Billie became a stay at home mom to pursue more quality time with her kids. She started a daycare and touched the lives of many families. She radiated patience and self-control no matter what life threw at her.
After her children were in school, she contemplated the idea of renewing her teaching degree and going back to the classroom. However, after her decision to return to school, a devastating turn of events ensued. Beautiful Billie was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Nevertheless, she would not be scathed or falter. She decided to be aggressive with chemo and surgery. Billie fought long and hard, always keeping her steadfast faith.
She rose every morning for her daily bible study and relied on God for everything. She reached others through showing God’s love, instead of preaching it. She drew much support from many dear ones at Neighborhood Assembly of God Church. Until the very end she had never given up praying for a cure.
Shortly after receiving her cancer diagnosis, Billie took to exploring new and adventurous realms most never would have fathomed she would do. Billie traveled to Hawaii, parasailed; scuba dived, took a submarine ride, went to Cancun, Mexico, went on a horse drawn sleigh ride in Yellowstone, took a sled dog ride and many more explorative outings.
Billie continued working through her treatments as a librarian assistant at Bryant elementary school and cherished many new found friendships there. She kept an immaculate house, quilted for unwed mothers, brought meals to those in need at church, wrote endless thank-you cards, and cooked delicious dinners for her family. Billie delighted in serving others and put their needs before hers. There was never a moment of selfishness in her character.
Billie got to spend many happy days with her husband traveling, dining, camping and more, see two high school graduations, a wedding, the birth of her first grandchild, her son’s many academic and, football achievements and her deepest longing to see her son grow up to be a teenager.
She desired to have a “last wish” as her time on earth drew short. She wanted to spend a memorable family vacation in Mexico. Billie was overwhelmed and grateful by the community’s support in making her dream become a reality.
A virtuous woman is clothed with strength and dignity, rises early in the morning, speaks with wisdom; faithful instruction is on her tongue, she provides food for her family and can laugh at the days to come. (Excerpts from proverbs 31) If ever there was a woman to embody such attributes Billie Askam was the woman to do so.
She left all of us inspired by her perseverance, optimism and her zeal for life. Never again will we meet a woman with the same infectious, radiant smile. She inspired so many, and she is our hero. Billie Louise Askam was a renowned fighter and she made the world a better place.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
Survivors include her husband Steve Askam of Helena; daughters, Kezza Askam (Jeff Pumo) of Bozeman, Shemiah Burk (David) of Helena, and son, Ethan Askam of Helena; grandchild, Israel Burk; parents, Warren Cogswell (Judy) of Ritzville, WA, and Beverly Crouse (Cal) of Taso Robles, CA; in-laws, Robert and Eva Powell of Port Richey, FL; sister, Debbie Buscher (Dick) of WA, brother Greg Cogswell (Stacy) of WA; grandma Elsie Cogswell of WA; aunt Janice Radmer (Walt) of WA, uncles, Darrel Cogswell (Jackie) of WA, Jim Cogswell(Patsy) of WA; three cousins, many nieces and a nephew, extended family, and innumerable friends. Billie is preceded in death by her grandma Betty Tooke and, grandpa Jim Cogswell.
A huge thank you to the nursing staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for making our beloved Billie’s journey easier to understand and comfortable to the end. Also a thank you to our church family, Billie’s friends and family for blessing us all beyond our imaginations.
To offer condolences to the family or share of memory of Billie please send to Steve Askam 276 Thomas Ct, Helena, MT 59602 or visit www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Billie Askam’s funeral will be held at Neighborhood Assembly of God Church located at 2475 Stuart St. in Helena, MT on December 28, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. A reception to follow at First Assembly of God Church, located at 2210 Dodge Ave.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Bev & Cecil Hill says
To all of Billie’s family:
She was such a special lady. Her faith and love of God were first in her life, but her love of her family came in close. She will be missed by many and I felt blessed to know her.
Bob and Carol Ridgeway says
Billie was such an amazing person! It is hard to put into words how we feel. Our love and sympathy is for your whole family.
Cindy Dylan and Patrick Paradis says
Dear Steve and kids,
We are sending you our thoughts and prayers. What a beautiful lady and a beautiful life! We will see them again and it will be more amazing than we can imagine. Take care of each other. Much Love, The Paradis Family
Jennifer McKee says
Shemiah,
I knew your mother only through you and the amazing way you approach life. I am so sorry for your loss. You are your own woman, but you are also a beautiful tribute to the love your mother gave you.
Jennifer
John and Pam Fenner says
Dear Steve and Kids,
Life certainly takes us all down a twisted road at times and there seems to be no fairness in the events that form our lives. We are so sorry to hear of Billies passing and wish you peace. We keep you in our prayers and in our memories always. We love you all.
kathleen morrison says
Shemiah, I remember meeting Billie at a Body Shop party several years ago. She had just finished a course of chemo and was looking forward to a trip to Hawaii with you. She was an amazing womawn and everytime I drive past the daycare you work (still?) at, I think of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. You were so good to her. God’s peace to you all.
Hugs,
Kathleen Morrison
Kelly Sheridan says
Ethan and Shemiah,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. As you know, your mother was an amazing woman who lived her faith each and every day. She walked an amazing journey and pray that your time with her was special and meaningful. You are both in my thoughts are prayers.
Love~Kelly Sheridan
Laura and Doug Nisbet says
Our time with Billie was a wonderful season. Billie’s smile and kind words,were always uplifting in times of tears, times of joy. We will miss her dearly. Thinking of all of you.
love, The Nisbets
Naomi Fleury says
Steve and Kids, We are so very sorry for your loss! Billie will be deeply missed! She was such a smiling face at Bryant School! Our prayers are with you and your family!
The Fleury Family
Thomas, Naomi, Noah, Ethan and Adam
Pam Sutter says
Steve and family I am praying for you all. Billie was a awsome child of God. Steve I will never forget when you came down stairs to my apartment and told me you found the women you wanted to spend your life with. I was so happy for you. My brother keep that big smile on your face as you always do.
Your Sister in Christ
Pam Sutter
Trent Rouse says
Hey Ethan – Sorry about your Mom. From Trent