Williadean "Billie" Kingery

Williadean “Billie” Kingery, 100, died Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Altercare of Bucyrus where she was also being cared for by Pathways Hospice.

Daughter of the late Dalta M. and Exie R. (Allen) Myer, Billie was born in Carroll County, Indiana on July 10, 1924. She grew up on the family farm, attended Delphi High School, and graduated from Burlington High School in 1942. Billie married Charles E. Kingery on February 13, 1943. Charles worked in seed sales and moved the family to Crawford County in 1956. They later moved to London, Ohio where Billie operated a restaurant and owned and operated a dry-cleaning business. Charles passed away on April 4, 1981. After retirement, Billie returned to Bucyrus which she considered home.

Billie will be remembered for her boundless energy, laughter, hard work, and strong will. Her rural upbringing instilled the determination she demonstrated her entire life. She took joy in caring for her flowers and pond, walked daily, and was an avid reader. She loved her Lord and Savior and worshipped at the Bucyrus Nazarene Church. Her home was always a welcoming place where sweets were served, holiday candies were lovingly made, and Fox News was on the television. 

Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Barb (Dave) Stuckey, Bev Pfahler (Bill Vance), and Sue Schafer; daughter-in-law, Susy Kingery; grandchildren, Doug (Heather) Stuckey, Dan Stuckey, Glenn (Lydia) Stuckey, Kim (Art) Deiderich, Debbie Schafer, Brian (Tami) Schafer, Nikki (Josh) Carter, Heather (John) Lewis, Chris (Tasha) Kingery, Zach Kingery, Charlie (Cass) Henderson, and Alec Henderson; 17 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; beloved nieces, Sandy Schafer and Marilyn (Mel) Lowery; along with many cherished friends and extended family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Billie was preceded in death by son, Mike Kingery; daughter, Terri (Gordon) Henderson; sons-in-law, Bill Pfahler and Steve Schafer; sister, Lorena Jackson; infant sister, Ruby Myer; and nephew, Joe Schafer.

Billie’s family is grateful for the care she received from Bucyrus Hospital, Altercare, and Pathways. They are gathering for a private graveside funeral in Brokensword Cemetery with her dear pastor, Ray LaSalle officiating. 

Billie’s life is best summed up by the poem Afterglow: I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; of happy memories that I leave when life is done. 

Those who wish to make a donation in Billie’s memory are asked to make the gift payable to Bucyrus Nazarene Church or Friends of the Bucyrus Library and give through Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook.