Billie Buechler McMullen
Billie was born Wilma Marie Cunningham on April 1, 1926 to Sam and Helen Cunningham in Billings. She passed away on Friday, August 17, 2018. Billie grew up in Tullock Creek and Hardin. She graduated in 1942 from Hardin High School where she was a drum majorette, cheerleader and belonged to the Oronics Drill Team.
She married Joe Buechler in 1944 and they had 10 children. Joe passed away on August 30, 1985.
Billie managed the 4Aces in Hardin, The Spur in Billings, The Longbranch Saloon. She and Joe ran the Red Rooster Bar in Shepherd for several years. Billie worked at County Market until her retirement.
On April 12, 1996 Billie married Tom McMullen. They spent many winters in Arizona with summers spent camping, fishing and enjoying time with friends and family until Tom’s death in 2008. Both were lifetime members of the VFW.
Billie spent the last nine years living at MorningStar Retirement Community, where she made great friendships and participated in many social activities. She enjoyed painting, the games and embroidery work. A special thank you to the MorningStar staff and community. She enjoyed her time with you.
Billie was preceded in death by her sister, Patti Koch, her husbands Joe Buechler and Tom McMullen, son Patrick, son-in-law Ralph Kinghorn, and daughters-in-law Dana and Brenda Buechler. She is survived by daughters Ginger (Don) Kern, Linda (Mark) Steffes, Susie Kinghorn, Niki (Jerry) Thaut, Sharon (Tim) Miller; sons Tom, Jerry (Rose), Jigger (Cathy), Dennis, step-son Tom (Cathy) McMullen, 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grands, 17 great-great grands.
Thank you to the doctors, nurses and CNAs on the cardiac floor of Billings Clinic and to Stillwater Hospice for the care and compassion they gave mom.
There will be a funeral service at 10 am, on Wednesday, August 22 at Smith West Chapel, 304 34thSt W with visitation beginning at 9 am. Cremation will follow. Billie and Tom will be buried at a later date in the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel. Memorials may be sent to the VFW or something of your choice.
Condolences may be shared online at smithfuneralchapels.com.
