Billie was born on August 19, 1931 in Mountain Home, Arkansas, the second of three children to Wylo and Edith Dyer. Growing up, her family lived on a cattle farm. At sixteen, she married the love of her life, Burl Edward Denton, on December 22, 1947. Billie and Burl celebrated an incredible 74 years of marriage and raised four sons; James Burl, Ralph Leonard, Wylie Gene and Mark Edward. Together they raised the boys and built their family business in Merriam, Kansas. In 1972, Billie began her time as a cherished grandma.
Billie lived a wonderful life surrounded by family and friends. Outside of family, she loved travel, southern cooking, listening to country music, and watching the Kansas Jayhawks. Billie was also a compassionate supporter of US veterans. She was bold-spirited, and she will always be remembered for her determination, persistence, and unwavering love of her pets.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wylo and Edith; her husband, Burl; her twin who died at birth and elder sister Bobby; her son, James “Jim”; and grandson, Jeffrey.
Billie is survived by 3 sons, Ralph, Wylie, and Mark; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Billie’s honor to Shriners Hospitals for Children – St Louis, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 or Rosedale Masonic Lodge No. 333 – AF&AM 6161 Slater St, Merriam, KS 66202.
A graveside service for Billie will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048. A visitation will occur Friday, January 10, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Chapel Hill - Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. A memorial service will occur Friday, January 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Chapel Hill - Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112.
