Billie Jean Bouté, 81, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully with family present, on Friday, January 10, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony Hospital. Billie Jean was born September 26, 1943 in Howard, Texas, the daughter of Bill and Dode (Phillips) McConnaughy. She married Larry Bouté on July 1, 1967, in Rockford – a milestone, as the first Lutheran-Catholic marriage in Rockford.
Billie Jean received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and then went to work for the Visiting Nurses Association, where she was instrumental in creating the "Meals on Wheels" program. She was an avid "Phan" and Booster Club Member of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corp, creating many of their uniforms for their ’83 and ’84 seasons. SUTA!!! Billie Jean was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church for many years. She was a ballet dancer when she was younger and enjoyed country line dancing, sewing, laughing, and spending time with her family.
Billie Jean is loved and missed by her sons, Kyle (Michelle Brass) Bouté and Brad Bouté; granddaughter, Rhiannon Bouté; special cousins, Cibby A. Long and Verna Blood.
A visitation for Billie Jean will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, 7000 West State Street, Rockford, Illinois 61102, followed by a funeral service at 2:30 PM.
Billie Jean will be laid to rest in Willwood Burial Park, 7000 West State Street, Rockford, IL 61102.
