Billie Gieger Ruppe

Billie G. Ruppe passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 after a valiant battle with cancer. Billie was born in Talco, TX on February 5, 1930 to Murtis Thomas and Bernard Gieger. She met Joseph Bosch Ruppe in 1954 in Midland, TX. They were married in 1955 and had four children.

Billie was an active member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Her strong faith sustained her throughout her life. She was very proud, of her career as a registered nurse. She graduated from Sisters of St. Josephs School of Nursing in Ponca City, OK. In 1951 she began working at Midland Memorial Hospital. Billie was past President of The Women's Hospital Auxiliary. She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, a member of the advisory board for the LVN School of Nursing at Midland College, Co-founder and CEO of We Care Home Health Agency and past board member of The Allison Bridge Center. In 1981 she traveled to Saudi Arabia to open new hospitals as the head of nursing.

Billie was preceded in death by her daughter Veronica Steele, her son Patrick Joseph Ruppe, her sister Odeatha Anderson and grandson James Albert Robinson.

She is survived by her daughters Coletta Ruppe Ivy and husband Grady of Dubuque, IA and Katchen Ruppe Benak and husband Mark of Kerrville, TX, grandchildren Katie Ruppe and Clint Ivy, two brother- in-laws James Ruppe and Philip Ruppe, one sister, Chokeetah Tully, two great grandchildren, two nieces and one nephew.

Family suggests memorials be given to Midland College for nursing scholarships, or Hospice of Midland.