Jean Phyllis (Billie Jean) Bouma passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital, September 14, 2011. She was born to Edmun and Jean Moore on August 27, 1924 in Anaconda, Montana.
The family later moved to the mining town of Marysville, Montana where Billie Jean spent most of her childhood. She graduated from Helena Cathedral High School in 1942. She was married in 1950; the couple had a daughter and later divorced in 1952. She was married to her late husband, Richard Bouma in 1974 for 33 years.
Billie Jean retired from Fort Harrison Veterans Administration after 27 years of service. Billie Jean had a passion for music and art. She played the piano from early childhood throughout her life. After retirement, she developed her skills in oil, water and charcoal mediums. She looked forward to her Tuesday night art group who met weekly for over 20 years.
Billie Jean was an active member of: The American Legion Auxiliary, Community Home Care Association and NARFE. Billie Jean was able to maintain her independence with the help of neighbors, friends and family whom she loved and was grateful to have in her life.
Billie Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and John Eusek; also granddaughter, Angela Jean Groudle-Hjert; grandson, Edmun Eusek and great granddaughters, Erika Groudle, Victoria and Jenna Eusek.
Funeral services will not be held by a request of Billie Jean. A celebration of Life reception will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Jorgenson’s Restaurant, 1720 11th Ave., Helena. Friends are welcome to come and share memories with the family. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Billie Jean, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Deanna Robertson says
Grandma Billie you were so very loved from miles away and will be missed. I have beautiful memories of time spent with you. You were always so loving and thoughtful to me and your great grandchildren. Your spirit and your gifted talents in art and music live on through them. Sincere condolences to family and friends who knew and loved her.
Deanna, Victoria and Jenna Robertson
Rick Cottingham says
Billie Jean kept a watchful, yet doubtful eye on we neighborhood teenagers. She was a good sport and a great mom. My heartfelt condolences to Laurie and her family.
diane macaraeg langenfus says
I so not know if at this late date of Laurie ar family members will get this, but I justt found out that billie Jean had passed. I was searching for her or information about her in the IR and found this obit. billie was like a second Mother to me and I loved her dearly for many years. We had lost contact until my Mother passed in 2000 and billie and her Husband came to the service. We did Christmas cards for a few years after and then lost contact again. Laurie, if you get this know taht all my life I have thought of you fondly…