Billie Edith West

Billie Edith (Bingham) West passed away Saturday, May 23, 2015, at Groesbeck LTC, following a fairly short bout with cancer. She was 91. Billie was born on January 26, 1924 to Thomas D. Bingham and Darthula (Kimbrell) Bingham in Trickham, TX. She grew up in this small town and graduated from school in Santa Anna. She had bigger dreams and plans than a small town had to offer, so she traveled to many other places as a young woman. She wore many hats in her life, which included owning a hotel in Branson, MO (before Branson became a major entertainment town), as manager of LaQuinta Inn in Austin for several years before retiring and then later buying a bar (one of several bars in her career) in Liverpool, TX. In all her work, and private life, she loved people. She was a nurturer of people, and plants (loving both indoor and outdoor plants), and pets. Her philosophy of life was the same as the words to the song, “I Hope You Dance” – to try the “next thing” and grab onto all opportunities for happiness. Billie moved to the Lake Limestone area to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Don Roper close to four years ago. Her joy – what she lived to do – was trips to the Casino. Billie moved to Groesbeck LTC last September for rehab after a fall, and continued to enjoy the people around her even as her health declined. Billie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dick Bingham, J. R. Bingham; sisters, Lucile Jones, and Carrie Gohlke; two infants (one of her twin daughters died at birth and an infant son at birth); and an adult daughter, Lyn Ridgeway in 1983. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Don Roper of Lake Limestone; daughter, Denise Jones of Houston; four grandchildren: Michelle Hillman and husband Jim of Georgetown, John Jones of Houston, Troy Neville and wife Beckie of Lampasas, and Dawn Neville of Dallas; four great grandchildren: Jana, Corey, T.J., and Bethanie; and three great-great grandchildren; a sister, Juanita Pearce of San Antonio (who formerly lived in Groesbeck); and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Groesbeck LTC; Susan Bond, PA; and Providence Hospice (Mexia) for their loving care. A special Thank-You to Carol Huskey for being there when we couldn’t.