Billie Jeanne Bosworth, 80, of Madison, passed away at 4:42 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, at Christian Hospital in St. Louis.
She was born May 1, 1934, in Granite City, a daughter of the late Willard and Ethel (Saucier) Bess. She married Courtland W. “Court” Bosworth on Jan. 15, 1950, in Arkansas and he preceded her in death on July 16, 2006.
Billie had worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Granite City and was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in Granite City and a former member of the First Presbyterian Church and United Presbyterian Church, where she had served as a member of the governing board and senior choir. She was also a member the Madison Junior Service, Madison Ladies Democrat Club, S.O.A.R., Senior Circle, Bethel 43 Job Daughters, FIG, Ladies of the Ainad Oriental Band and was dedicated as a member of the Madison School Board for more than 16 years. She enjoyed being with the Girl Scouts and as a den leader with the Boy Scouts, being a scorekeeper with the SavMor Bobcats, helping with the Madison Band Parents, volunteering with the hospital and her years as an Avon sales representative. She was known to many as “Grandma Billie” and “G.G.” who loved being around children, enjoyed working with crafts and tending to her home. She will be remembered for the love and special times shared with her family and friends.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanne and William Weidner of Worden and Ellen and Marvin Owca of Granite City; one son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Emma Bosworth of Troy; five grandchildren and their spouses, DeAnn and Lou Siville, Elizabeth and David Nappier, Timothy Bosworth, Matthew and Tricia Owca and Laura Owca; seven great- grandchildren, David, Anne, Lillian, Gabrielle, Ethan, Samantha, Allyson and Maxwell; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Larry Bess of California and Randy and Robin Bess of California; one sister and brother-in-law, Mariann and Wayne Danzer of California; a sister-in-law, Mary Jane Bess of Troy; many nieces and nephews; other extended family and many friends.
In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, David Bess.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City, on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, with the Rev. Karla Frost officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon. Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or the American Diabetes Association and may be accepted at the funeral home. www.irwinchapel.com