Billie Innes
courtesy photo
Billie Innes
FAIRBANKS, ALASKA — Billie Burke (Chivers) Innes passed away on Dec. 13, 2017, in her home in Fairbanks, Alaska. During her last four weeks she was surrounded by family and friends who will deeply miss her and love her. There is comfort knowing she passed peacefully with the knowledge of how much she was loved and cared for.
Billie was born on April 15, 1918, and raised on a cattle ranch in Challis, Idaho, with four brothers and a half sister. She went to college in Utah and then moved to Salmon, Idaho, where she was employed by her Uncle Preston who was an attorney. There she met Gilbert Innes and they were married in 1942 in Long Beach, California, where they resided for a brief time. The lure of the “last frontier” came to them from a longtime friend, so in 1950 they moved to Fairbanks and purchased Glennallen Lodge, a neon sign business and the B & M Food Mart on College Road. B & M was a “mom and pop” grocery store that serviced the Fairbanks and College communities for 30 years.
Billie and her husband raised four children in Fairbanks. Billie was involved in Quota Club and Pioneers of Alaska, Women’s Igloo #8. Billie and her husband were ardent travelers due to to their daughter who worked for Alaska Airlines. She was able to visit Japan, Africa, England, Scotland, France, Australia, New Zealand and Italy. After retirement Billie and her husband moved to Polson for their love of fishing, golfing and small town life.
After Gilbert passed away, Billie continued to live in Montana until illness had her move close to family in Idaho. In June 2015 she moved back to Fairbanks, Alaska, to be closer to her children and became active in the community at Raven Landing. After only being at Raven landing for two weeks she sent a text to her daughter saying, “my social life is out of control.” She always loved meeting new friends and enjoyed playing bridge. She participated in the Senior Games in 2016 and 2017, winning two gold medals.
Billie is survived by her three children, Susan Jernstrom (Art), John Innes, and Sheila Williams (Jed), all in Fairbanks; her brother, Garth Chivers (Glenis) of Challis, Idaho; along with 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; and six great great-grandchildren.
Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Innes; son, Evans Innes, and two grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Raven Landing on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 4 p.m. in the dining area.
