Billington Clan: CAROL LEE BILLINGTON CHAUSSEE

Carol's High School Photo

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The photo below is of Carol Lee Billington as a tiny baby in the arms of her mother, Eva, with her sister Blondie, at their Clyde Park home in Eastern Montana, near Livingston. Carol was born on January 28, 1934 so this photo was probably taken in the spring or summer of that year. She was the seventh child of Sid and Eva and their fifth daughter. Billy was born first, Stella second, Blondie third, ElDee fourth, Jo fifth, and Donna sixth.

The family's simple ranch life was hard, but still they were grateful and happy. The family worked together to survive the harsh Montana land and weather, but their love for the Big Sky Country grew in the hearts of all - so much that it stayed with them the rest of their lives.

Carol loved to follow her Dad around the ranch always wanting to be near him. Carol and her dad had a great relationship. He carried her around and set her on the fender of the truck when he was talking to her and the family. She loved to take rides with him in his truck. Sid was a hardworking farmer, rancher, devoted husband and father. Sadly he died when Carol was only 11 years old. She spoke highly of him and missed him deeply her entire life.

Sid and Carol Who is in the truck?

Carol was known as "Kelly" by her family. This nickname came about when her uncle Pat Bishop asked her name. She was so young and she replied so quickly that it sounded like "Kail-ly. He thought she said Kelly and the nickname stuck.

The Billingtons moved to various ranches around Montana from Clyde Park to Dixon, and then on to Arlee. This photo below is one of few of the family on their ranch just outside of Arlee. Aunt Hazel is hiding in the back of the photo, which was probably taken by Sid's dad, D.S. Billington, or his sister Estelle during their visit from Spearfish, South Dakota. Sidney (Jack), the last Billington, was born in 1942

after this photo was taken.

ElDee Bill, Blondie, Hazel, and Sid in Back
Eva, Donna, Jo, Stella and Kelly in front

Most of Carol's growing up years were on that ranch she loved. You can see much of that ranch from the photos below. Carol and Donna went to school together in Dixon and Arlee.

Kelly and Donna school photo

Carol, Donna, Jo with goats and dogs

Carol with dog Pudgy

ElDee, Bill, and Matson boys in back
Eva, Lester Christopher, Wilma Matson, Stella in center
Blondie, Jo with Kelly and Donna in front about 1940 Christmas

Donna and Kelly about 1944

Eva sold the ranch after Sid died and moved the family into Arlee to a small house near the school and her work as a cook at the local restaurant, The Log Cabin. Kelly was able to just walk to high school. There among her many friends, she met and dated Dean Chaussee.

Donna and Carol in school dresses-Arlee

Carol and Jo with the family car

Carol on the porch of the Arlee home

Fred Deschamps, Denise, Dean, Kelly

Carol and Dean eloped in June of 1951 to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Carol stayed with Dean's parents in Wenatchee but traveled several times to McChord Air Force Base where Dean was stationed. Their first child Denise Ellen was born at the McChord Air Force Military Hospital in November of 1952. They then moved to Fort Worth, Texas while Dean finished his tour of duty.

Next they lived in Settle for a while but moved to Kirkland where Jon Arnold joined the family in 1958. Carol was a stay at home full time mom and a big support to her family and Dean as he developed his residential construction endeavors; building single-family homes, apartments, offices, and health-related buildings. As their two little ones grew up, Carol and Dean enjoyed traveling and made trips to Asia and Europe. Carol volunteered with the Seattle Children's Guild for many years, where she made many life-long friends. Years later she would go into property management at Westwood Management, a company she and Dean owned.

Kelly, Jon, Dean, (Denise) Ellen

Dean and Carol enjoyed returning to Montana often over the years. They especially liked the 4th of July celebrations in Arlee: the pancake breakfast at the firehouse, the parade through town, and the pow wow. Carol adored seeing and visiting with family and old friends from Arlee. Dean and Carol had a great deal of influence in the Arlee area throughout the years. They contributed to the Arlee Historical Society, which used to be a church. They also contributed to the Ravalli Catholic Church because they liked to preserve the past and restore older buildings.

Kelly& Dean, Jamie & Jaquie, Ted &Sherrie, Chris &Crystal/Mikal

4th of July 2006

Goldie and Carol

Jo and Kelly at 9 mile

Carol and Donna

Roger, Blondie, Terry, Kelly, Jack, Ron

Kelly with Jack and Blondie

They owned a ranch in the Dixon Valley for about 15 years. They named it Bison Springs. It was located across the road from the back side of the National Bison Range, which is a National Wildlife Refuge. Many amazing memories were formed at that Montana ranch. They enjoyed bringing their children and grand children to the ranch, hosting family reunions and other "get togethers" with family and friends.

Kelly and Blondie at Bishop Springs

Bison Springs Reunion
Donna, Jo, Jon, Blondie, Kelly

Bison Springs
Dean, Wendy, Jon, Kelly, Lynn

Carol's delight in life was her grandchildren: Jules, Chris, JB, Jacquie, Jamie, Mike, Nick, and her great grandkids Jordan, Kaleb, Jenessa and Kobe. She enjoyed celebrating holidays and birthdays with them and her extended family. She especially enjoyed creating and hosting a warm family Christmas Eve for everyone.

Chris, Jules, Denis

Jacquie, Jamie, Jon, Nick, Mike, JB

When Dean passed away in 2009, and Jon in 210, Carol continued to live in their house in Kirkland spending quality time with those grandkids and completely surrounded with love from her whole family, and many friends. Carol passed to her heavenly home on June 3, 2020. She will always be remembered for her wonderfully infectious laugh, her love of animals and her unwavering devotion to her family.

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