Billie (Leyendecker) Garver
October 2, 1947 ~ December 1, 2021
Born in:
Val Verde County, TX
Resided in:
Pueblo West, CO
Billie (Leyendecker) Garver, 74, passed away December 1. 2021. Survived by brother EV (Elizabeth) Leyendecker of Golden, Colo.; children, Michael (Joan) Graham and Michelle Wichser of Pueblo and Wayne Garver of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Andrew (Alisha) Graham of Pueblo, Alison (Steven) Alley of Monte Vista, Colo., Charles (Emily) Aguirre of Pueblo, Phillip Fouts, Peter Fouts, Kayla (Andrew) Lipich and Stacy Wichser of Pueblo; and great-grandchildren, Braeden Alley, Tyler Alley, Ashlynn Alley, Conner Alley, Patrick Graham, Isaiah Lipich, Rebecca Fouts, JC Aguirre, LJAguirre, Catalina Aguirre, Miguel Aguirre and Emery Botts.
Preceded in death by dad, Edward Leyendecker; mom, Lillie Lee Long; husband, Phillip Garver; brothers, Richard Leyendecker, Bud Leyendecker and Stanley Leyendecker; son, Richard Garver; and granddaughter, Rebecca Anne Fouts.
Billie was aunt to many nieces and nephews, some felt she was a second mother, she was a beloved mom, grandma, great-grandma, friend and ally. She enjoyed reading, crafting, puzzles and just being there whenever she was needed. Billie was a “people person,” had a great personality, lots of witty comments and was always willing to help. She was a strong rock that will be missed by many people. She took pride in her family and will be a strong ally to God’s Army. While she will want us to cherish memories, cry for a little bit, she would want us to move on and be happy, making her smile from Heaven.
Billie was born on October 2, 1947, in Val Verde County, Texas, lived in Texas (several places), Colorado and Arizona. She enjoyed being and accountant and doing taxes, but her creativity and art projects are amazing and she passed that on in family and friends.
There will be a Memorial Gathering, Life Celebration on December 18, 2021, at 3 p.m. at Majestic Baptist Church, 494 Hemlock, Pueblo West.
Food will be provided, bring your favorite memory, or story so we can celebrate mom’s life and enjoy being together.
Services
Life Celebration: December 18, 2021 3:00 pm
Majestic Baptist Church
494 E. Hemlock Dr.
Pueblo West, CO 81007
719-542-1552
Aunt Billie had a great presence, and I always loved knowing that she was on this earth with us, no doubt being herself wherever she went. It wasn’t unusual for me to go years without seeing her, but sometimes she’d pop back into my life (or vice-versa) in one way or another and she’d make it feel as if no time had passed. It made me feel so good to hear from her and know she loved me and thought about me. Based on what the rest of y’all have written, it sounds like she helped all of us feel that way. When I was lucky enough to get some time with her, she brought with her a quick wit, confidence, just the right amount of sass, and a sense that everything’s going to be okay. I will miss her, and I send thoughts of love and peace to my family members who were so very close with her.
In memory of Billie, my beloved sister, from E.V.Leyendecker
I’ll miss you bunches aunt Billie. Say hi to Grams for me and tell her I love her.
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
I’ve loved spending Christmas Eves and birthdays with Billie these past few years. She always greeted me a hug, leaving no doubt that she considered us “family”. I’ll miss her laugh!
Words can not do my mom justice. While we had our differences, one thing she always taught me is FAMILY IS LOVE. That means we are not bound by blood, we are bound by love, our family has proven this by the love we share and give each other, not only to those that are blood, but those that are family. So many people that my mom loved and cherished as family God brought to our path and we embraced them, as sisters, grandchildren, niece, or nephew. I know that there are many who felt mom was a gift. I struggle with words, but I know that she will help us get through this because that is what my mom does, she gets all of us through whatever struggle we are facing. She was so strong and rallied back so much it is really hard to believe that she is really gone. Thank you to all who write a note here, I am hoping reading about memories, stories, and adventures with mom with help us through this time. Thank you all!
Billie was my tax lady and friend. Rest in peace. Jack Dixon
Billie was my tax lady and friend! While sharing offices in the same complex, we became acquainted and soon good friends. I still display the Christmas wreath she gave me my first year as a retired teacher and tutor. She made me laugh right out loud numerous times over the years. I have such fond memories of this lady! She will definitely be missed by all who knew her. May the happy times with Billie give all comfort and peace!
Billie was always there no matter who needed help. She will be missed.
Billie was my Dad’s only sister. Can’t think of a time she hasn’t been in my life, going to be hard to know she is gone. I am praying for Mikey, Shelly and their families. I can hear her telling us to quit making such a fuss. Well missy, you were worth more than just a little fuss. You will be missed beyond words. Love you Aunty Bitty.
Pammy
Pammy, I am sharing your post here, so those that didn’t see can, this really speaks of my mom. Thank you!
Billie Lou Leyendecker Garver
In true Billie fashion she left this world on her own terms. Sick in the hospital with the dreaded COVID virus, her medical team recommended intubation and she refused. Can just see the conversation now…not no but hell no! Which leads us here to today, remembering this grand Texas lady. I would like to share with you my life memories of my Aunty Bitty, some of you knew her as Billie, others in the family Billie Lou. I can just hear her saying don’t you dare Pammy (my family name too) only fair since I am sharing her “Billie Lou” with the world.
As the youngest of six and the only girl, you can imagine she was rotten. Her eldest brother Edward died soon after birth but the Lord blessed her with four other big brothers. Uncle Stanley, Uncle Bud (John or JC to some), my Dad, Richard (Dickie) and Uncle EV. Aunty Bitty was tough as nails thanks to her big brothers but also a lady thanks to our Nanny. From stories and pictures of their youth, you can tell she thought herself one of the boys. I remember the boys referring to her…oh Bitta Lou was a mess. There I go giving away another nickname. I have heard stories of her spats with her big brothers but heaven help anyone who tried to mess with those boys, she would tear in to you in true Bitta Lou fashion. She loved her brothers dearly.
When my Dad, Dickie passed away, she sat beside me and my sister Dena, providing guidance and strength. She held my hand and comforted me through one of the darkest moments in my life. I don’t know if I ever truly expressed how much it meant to me but I pray she knew.
My earliest memories of Aunty Bitty was her laugh. She had the most distinctive belly laugh and when she let lose, it went all the way to her toes. Her whole body would shake with laughter. As a young girl,I admired her fun, devil may care personality and her tremendous strength. You might say I was even envious at times. I came into this world the summer after she graduated High School and between Nanny, my Mom and Aunt Billie, I don’t know who took more joy in dressing me in lace and frilly dresses. I guess I was all of their living baby doll.
I remember Aunt Billie having this long boat car and since she was a shorty, yes, I said it, she could barely reach the gas pedal and I remember her using just her big toe to push the gas. Yes,it was a sight to be seen.
Aunty Bitty had a love for all kind of music and could dance with the best of them. Again, larger than life personality so no surprises here. When she was ready to go out on the town, she would dress to the nines and was beautiful in appearance and heart.
Life was not always diamonds for her but for an outsider looking in, you wouldn’t have known it. She took her Mama’s (Nanny) raising motto to heart. You don’t air your dirty laundry in public. I am proud to say it has strongly influenced me to this day and will all my life. She was a single mother for awhile before meeting Uncle Phil. As Mike and Shelly could tell you, she wasn’t perfect but she was the best Mom they would have ever asked the Lord for and are so thankful she was theirs.
She took this same strength, love and compassion approach as her family grew to first grandchildren and later great-grandchildren. When she spoke of each one there was always love and pride. She fiercely loved her babies and then their babies. Over the years the extended family grew and so did the love and relationship each of us shared with Aunty Bitty. I am proud to have had her guidance over the years and also importantly her friendship. In lots of ways she was like a big sister to me and yes we had our spats but we always knew we were there for each other and there was great love and respect.
I want to always remember my Aunty Bitty dressed to the nines, hair and nails done, laughing with her larger than life laugh.
As I write this, with heartbroken tears streaming down my face, I am so thankful for the love and memories she leaves each of us with to cherish her memory. I never imagined she would leave us but take comfort in knowing she is with Nanny and boys. She has some “giving them hell” times to make up and believe me, she will. This Pammy is heartbroken and going to miss my Aunty Bitty the rest of my life. I loved her dearly.
Over the years Aunty Bitty was always there for each of us, no matter how we needed her.
BILLIE WAS A CHERISHED MEMBER OF OUR RED HAT GROUP…IT WAS A PRIVILEGE TO HAVE HER AS PART OF OUR SIRENS. She always ready to have fun, brought energy and laughter, shared her endless creative ability, and most of all her caring concerns. She will be missed. May your memories of her bring you peace. She will live on your memories.