Billie Mae Jackson
courtesy photo
Billie Jackson
RONAN — On Feb. 25, 2017, Billie Mae Jackson passed away after a long, courageous battle with breast cancer.
Billie Mae was born on May 3, 1933, at the family home in St. Ignatius to Henry and Molly David. Growing up during the depression with a family of 17 siblings, life was at times full of tough times and the bare necessities. Even so, Billie still held fond memories of her childhood.
Billie’s first job was at the bakery in town where she worked through her high school years. She graduated from Ronan High School in 1951. Billie married her high school sweetheart Lynn E. Jackson on June 10, 1951.
Billie and Lynn settled into their first home on the Jackson homestead near Big Bend on the Flathead River. With the arrival of Valorie, Mark, and Dianna respectively, they decided to move the family and ranch operation to Round Butte in the spring of 1956. With the upgrade of indoor plumbing and running water, life was good. After the move to Round Butte, Jeannie was born and completed the family.
To help support the family, Billie went to work at Grott’s Chicken Farm with a part-time job. The opportunity for full-time work took her to Moody’s Market, working for Leonard Moody for several years. Then in December of 1969, opportunity knocked again and they purchased their own business; a fast food restaurant called Larry’s Drive In, which they renamed Lynn’s Drive In. Billie handled the daily business and despite Lynn’s unexpected death in 1976, she remained dedicated to the business with her strong work ethic. She was a fair and honest boss, always thrifty, enjoyed serving her customers and sparring with her employees, (many who became longtime friends). She remained “Gramma Billie” to former employees, neighborhood kids, and many, many others. She continued to run the family business until she sold it in 1985 and retired. The business still remains in the family today.
Six months later, needing something to do, Billie Mae opened Lynn’s II in St. Ignatius in February 1986. Twenty-five years later, she retired … again.
Billie loved traveling and visited many countries including Taiwan, Japan, Germany, and America Samoa, to name a few. A highlight in her later years was a trip to New York City in 2011 with her bowling team and most recently to Las Vegas.
She was a long time bowler on the Thursday night league, a member of the Wednesday Night Book Club, a member of Round Butte Women’s Club and a Ronan Jayceen. Her other interests included dancing, singing in plays and the church choir, and watching parades, St. Patty’s Day being her favorite. Billie was a devoted lifetime member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ronan.
After her retirement Billie spent time at home with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who frequently stopped by to visit her at her home and swimming pool.
We would like to thank Dr. Thomas and the nurses at the St. Pat’s Cancer Center for the wonderful care and thoughtfulness they’ve shown mom. We would also like to thank The Retreat staff in Polson for the special care they gave to her.
Billie Mae was preceded in death by her husband Lynn and a great-grandson Axle Streitz in 2008.
Billie Mae’s children, Valorie (Tom) Bartel, Mark (Chris) Jackson, Dianna (Joe) Smith, and Jeannie Jackson; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kirk (Salinas) Bartel, Garrett, Trevor, Raela, Cody, Creighton, Carson, Karlissa Lynn Allen (Tracy VanNess), Chase, Tyson, Mason, Emma Lynn, Kari Mae (Jarred) Burland, Rhylee Lynn, Trenton, Layton, Axton; Colette (Dale) Roo, Tori, Trae; Jami (BJ) Schall, Austin, Arinna, Aiden; Jace Smith (Charla), Ryder; Jana Lynn (Jake) Streitz, Sydnee, Gunner, Jackie Jo Smith, Tucker, and Ruger; siblings, Freda Francis of Clarkston, Washington, Ruth Ann Gregg of San Carlos, California, Willie (Karen) David of Clancy, Montana; special nephew, Jerry Hamel of Dixon; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Lloyd and Sally Jackson of Pablo as well as numerous nieces and nephews survive her.
Services have been held.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.shriderthompson. com.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Ronan Bread Basket.
We love you always, may you rest in peace. “We had a good run Mom.”
Arrangements are under the direction of Shrider–Thompson Funeral Home.
