Billie Whitehead

The warmest kindest heart one could ever imagine peacefully stopped beating on December 17, 2012 at 8:30 A.M. The beautiful spirit of Billie Joanne Whitehead passed away, at home, with her loving husband Marion “Bud” Whitehead lovingly at her side, as it has always been through their wonderful 69 years of marriage. Their daughter, Buffie Megugorac had assured her parents early on, that she would do all she could to keep them comfortable and together in their Ventura home, and thanks to the loving care of Billie’s two caregivers Cecilia Penamante and Gennalynn Reyes, Buffie was able to keep that promise.

Billie was born on August 9, 1924 to parents Edward Allen Shaw and Jesse Starr Shaw, in Kingman, AZ. Orphaned at age three, along with six other brothers and sisters, she was raised by her Aunt Alice Starr Shafer and Uncle Tim Shafer, along with her cousin Ned Shafer in Los Angeles, CA. She attended Belmont High School and later Los Angeles High school.

She met her loving husband Bud, on a blind date set up by her now sister-in-law Enid Wilhelm-Stadler. On a picnic date to Lake Sherwood, he swam up to her while sunbathing on a raft, with a water lily in his mouth and she fell in love. They were married 69 years ago on January 8th, 1944, and have been inseparable ever since. They were always seen holding hands and enjoying spending time together. Their relationship is one to emulate, one of dedication, love and respect of one another. A true love story.

Once married they lived in the San Fernando Valley where she helped Bud run the Family business, Whitehead, Inc.. In 1970 they moved to the Ventura which they have since enjoyed for the last 42 years and developed many long lasting friends and relationships. Billie and Bud loved to host people at their lovely home. It was always the gathering place for friends and family. Billie was always the light of the room and could make any occasion a celebration. She was the consummate hostess. Growing up Buffie remembers her house as the meeting place for all her friends. Even though she was an only child there was always a house full of kids. Many of Buffie’s friends called Billie “Mom” as she loved all of them!

After selling the business in 1970 they were able to start enjoying their early retirement years. She and Bud very much enjoyed traveling the country and cruising to many destinations. Over the years they were lucky enough to see most of the world from the many wonderful cruises they went on.

Billie was the Best Wife and Mother in the World! Her smile could light up a room, Her laughter was contagious. Her eyes sparkled like stars, and now when we look up to the night sky, we know Her eyes are looking down on us, keeping watch, still keeping us safe. We are truly blessed to have a wife and mother like Her. We LOVE you and MISS you. You will always live on in our hearts forever.

Billie truly was the light of the room, loved by so many and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her loving husband Marion “Bud” Whitehead and her adoring daughter and son-in-law Buffie and David Megugorac; her older brother Allan Shaw and sister Mary Ballway; sister -in-law Enid Stadler. She was preceded in death by brother’s Jimmy Shaw and Dick Washburn and sister’s Alice Wright and Betty Snyder.

The family is having “Celebration of Her Life” on January 5th, 2013.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Livingston Memorial Hospice or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura.