Ralph J. Bille

Ralph was born on May 4, 1938 in Lander, Wyoming to Ralph Bille and Josephine Chisholm and passed away peacefully on December 30, 2012. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting during his youth and served in the National Guard along with his stepfather, Moncel Milburn. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Business. Ralph worked during the early days of computers setting up programs for the state of Kansas, the Department of Education, and the Department of Revenue. Later he was the purchasing manager for the Hills Corporation in Topeka, Kansas. In 1981, he met his wife Diana and has been the love of her life ever since. He spent the next 20 years in Kansas City proudly working with family and others as a founder, owner, and operator of Bille Interior Finishing Company, remodeling some of the area’s finest homes until he retired. He still managed the home and the raising of two Eagle Scout grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, and his stepson, Kevin Beaver. Survivors include: his wife, Diana; his son, Ralph James Bille (Barbara) of Bonner Springs and daughter, Kathy Michelle Schwahn (Dave) of Kansas City North; his stepson, Sean Beaver (Stephany) of North Kansas City and Stepdaughter Renee' Gotviagehya (Jefferson) of Carthage; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He is remembered for his gentle and caring disposition to others always. A strong man with no fear or regrets. Ralph was a family man who gave to others always selflessly. His attention to detail and customer satisfaction of every project made him an amazing ambassador in his chosen profession. Ralph was a spiritual man who was wise, creative, open minded, loved to learn, loved his family, was brave, persistent, and led by example as a statue of integrity. He lived his life with love, kindness, fairness, leadership, forgiveness, and hope for the future. He was funny, gracious, and always displayed humility. He will be forever cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing such a great man. Ralph always said the only two things that ever woke him up in the morning were his alarm clock and his love for Diana.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.