Jo Billington Spooner-Life Sketch presented by her daughter Sherrie part 1

 GEORGIA F.BILLINGTON

Our story begins in February of 1926. Eva and Sydney Billington were living and 

working a ranch at a place called Brackett Creek. Brackett Creek is situated some 

what west of and is between Clyde Park and Livingston, Montana. It is settled in
a small valley with mountains on three sides and prairie on the fourth. On 
February 26 Georgia was born in the town of Livingston. She was the 5th child 
of Eva and Sydney. Mom had a happy childhood living in various places around
Montana. She lived at Brackett Creek, Dixon,and Arlee (and I think several other 
places I do not remember). Eva and Sydney had a ranch north of  Arlee.

Her full name was Georgia Florida Billington. She was very embarrassed
about her middle name and did not want anyone to know what it was. 
I asked grandma (Eva) why she was named Georgia Florida. Grandma
proceeded to tell me the story that she was on a train between the states 
of Georgia and Florida when she was pregnant with my mother. 
It was at that time my mother decided to make her appearance
to the world. Since her father (Sydney) wanted to name her after 
the state she was born in and grandma not knowing which state she 
was in at the time of birth decided to name her Georgia Florida. 
This was just a story but I believed it for many years. We think that 
Florida had been a typographical error and her middle name

should have been Florinda. My mom was known as Georgia for many
years. At some point after the birth of their first daughter Luylla, 
Georgia became Jo.

Sydney, her dad, died when mom was a senior in high school. 
The ranch was sold and grandma moved  to Arlee. Mom kept a 
small cloth pouch of tobacco that her dad had always carried in his
pocket as a reminder of him. When she smelled it, it reminded
her of how he smelled. She still had this at the time of her death.

 

Jo Blondie Stella Bill

Al Dee   Bill  Blondie  Aunt Hazel  Sid
Eva Donna  Jo  Stella  Kelly

The kids use to ride horses to school when Georgia was younger. 
Elvira & Estella would ride one horse, Wilbur with Elfred on the other. 
When Georgia was old enough to go to school she would ride between
Elvira & Estella. One day Georgia decided to ride between them standing up. 
Wilbur and Elfred were riding beside them and she would jump from one
horse to the other. Blondie (Elvira) recalls that she was always the teachers
pet in school. In high school in Arlee she was a cheerleader.

Jo Donna Kelly

Jo and Lester Christopher

Wilma, Jo and Donna

Kelly, Donna, Jo 

Jo and Wilma Matson

Upon graduation from high school, she moved with a couple of her girlfriends 

to Vancouver, WA. She would tell about the times her girlfriends in Vancouver would load up the car for the weekend and drive as far as they could in a day. They would then turn around to drive back just in time to be back at work on Monday.

Jo and Lyall

 My mom and dad (Warren Lyall Spooner) met in Vancouver, WA. Lyall was in the Navy during World War II and then worked in the ship yard in Vancouver or Portland. They dated six times before they were married in Vancouver on April 13, 1946. They lived in Vancouver for a short time before moving back to Montana. Lyall wanted to come back for the hunting and fishing. They settled in Missoula. They moved to Nine Mile in 1971 where they remained until their deaths.

Their marriage lasted for fifty years until mom passed away from metastatic gastric cancer. They were a very loving couple. It was not unusual to see them holding hands walking down the street. They would sit by each other on the couch snuggled into each other and still holding hands. People would comment on how nice it was to see a couple so in love after so many years of marriage.

My mom always seemed to be happy. Whenever you see a picture of her she will be smiling. Thats how she was. Family would refer to her as "our sweet Jo". Friends would describe her as a very "special lady". People would always comment on how nice she always looked and dressed. Mom always had a kind word for everyone and was not a person who gossiped. She had what I would describe as a kind gentle heart. She never got old as some people do. Her way of dress, style, and the things she did kept her very young. She was still doing aerobics up to the time she got sick and was diagnosed with cancer.

4 generations Rose Stottlemyre  Eva Deschamps Jo Spooner Jody Spooner

Jo Blondie Sherrie Kenny

Jo and Lyall had two daughters, Luylla Jo (Jody) who was born in Vancouver, WA, and me, Sherrie Lee born in Missoula, MT. I have always been very grateful for the wonderful childhood that she gave me. We had a very sheltered life. She was a woman who was honest beyond a fault, had integrity, 
and kindness for others.

They both enjoyed camping & hunting. Some hunting was done up Nine Mile
where they would ride the horses into a hunting camp that they had made. 
Their tent was a teepee that my dad made out of a parachute.
They belonged to and would go on horse back rides with the 
Back Country Horsemen and many rides else where in the mountains. 
Mom loved to be in the outdoors. She would rather be out side or hiking 
than in the house cleaning and cooking. Every day she would hike 
around their place at Nine Mile. There was a garden there where she 
grew vegetables. She also raised chickens, ducks, and horses. She also
enjoyed cutting wood for the winter fires (it was being out in the woods), 
snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing in the winter.

Mom and dad were very good dancers. They would glide as one out on a dance floor. Others would like to dance with them as they were so good but my parents preferred to dance with each other.

Every summer mom would take all five of the grandchildren for a week in the summer when they were little. I am sure that Zane, Crystal, Eric, Beau, and Aaron had every little whim attended to during this week at grandmas. They would go for hikes around their place at Nine Mile, go camping, play with the ducks and chickens and just have a lot of fun. My children remember this with fond memories. Crystal (granddaughter) learned how to hypnotize chickens at her grandma's house. She introduced them all to horses, ice skating, skiing, and hiking. I am not sure if the boys were all that crazy about the hiking around the place but Crystal and grandma loved every minute. They had a special bond as Crystal loved the horses and hiking as much as her grandmother did. Her grandchildren had a very special place in her heart.

Mom, Elvira (Blondie), and Sydney (Jack) took turns taking care of there mom (Eva) in their homes when she was not able to live alone any more until she died. Grandma's (Eva) other children lived to far away to do this. This was a special gift that she gave her mom. In return she got to spend a lot of special time with her.

Mom was working up to the time she got cancer at the age of seventy as a 
dental receptionist. Asked her many times why she did not retire. Her comment
was it kept her socially connected with her friends and family. It gave her a
reason to come to town.

Jo. my beloved mother, passed away June 11, 1996. Her ashes were 
spread at her request at Shoulder Creek up the Nine Mile. The grandchildren
had camped with them there and it remained a favorite memory of hers so that
is where she wanted to be. Dad joined her there the following February.
Life without her was not worth living for him. Miss you both so very much.

ESTELLA ROSE BILLINGTON VETTER--presented by her family (part 1)

Estella Rose Billington Vetter ( 4/21/1921-6/29/2003)

Born April 15^th, 1921 to Sydney and Eva Billington in

Livingston,  Montana. She had three brothers, Eldee, Wilbur(Bill) 

and Sydney(Jack)and also four sisters Elvira(Blondie), Georgia(Jo), 

Kelly and Carol. She was raised as a country girl in her earlier

 years living on a small farm outside of Livingston where she 

enjoyed her childhood years. She could be seen with  three others

all riding one horse to school. She developed her love of the 

country life, of nature's wonders and its abundant wildlife

during these times.  She grew up as a "tomboy" type, always trying 

to "out do" her brothers at any task or dare. She had a stubborn

streak at times and a character of strong will, especially when

she was right and the whole world was wrong. She also had a 

very caring heart for her family and friends.

Stella's family later moved to the Arlee area north of Missoula during

her teenage years to another country setting where she still enjoyed the

life of country living - be it working her earlier morning chores- putting

up with the cold weather or cantankerous live stock - she never 

complained, not to loud that is.

In her late teens she became rambunctious and looked 

for a change in life- she met a young man from the Missoula 

area, Glen Vetter in 1940 and fell in love. They got married

on February 13^th and later that year moved to Anaconda 

where Glen started work for the Anaconda Copper Company

and Stella begun her new life as wife and mother with the birth

 of her first son Rodger Glen Vetter.

She later gave birth to a daughter, Charlene Jo, and a another son, 

Terry Lee in her earlier years of living in town. She lost her infant

daughter at an young age.With the loss of her daughter, the raising 

of two rambunctious boys who were always a handful for her and

with the cantankerous neighbors to close by, she yearned for the

rural life of her childhood days. 

With the urging to Glen to move, Terry bugging the neighbors
and Rodger catching the local church curtains on fire with
the candles, Glen gave in and moved to the West Valley
in 1949 to her present home along the Warm Springs Creek.
She gave birth to her third son Ronald on January 6, 1950. 

Stella was more contended now with living in the country with room 

to raise her children. She enjoyed her flower gardens- raising chickens

- fishing in the creek-working in the vegetable gardens- canning 

and making jellies- but most of all just being a country girl all over 

again and enjoying life as best as she could.

Stella later worked at various retail stores and restaurants to help
support the family when the kids were older. Many people enjoyed 
her good nature and kindness. She worked on and off until retiring 
in the early 80's. 

She lost the love of her life in 1991 with the passing of her husband,
of over fifty years, after a long illness. Her strong will and family
support, especially from her son Terry, gave her the will to carry on
and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. She enjoyed her surroundings 
with watching & feeding her wild birds, local deer visits, raising ducks 
and pheasants for awhile, watching elk graze on the mountain sides, 
trying to catch a fish or two out the back yard if the (darn) mosquitoes 
weren't to hungry, tending to her raspberry & strawberry plants,
watching her favorite old westerns on TV and going for a good ole ride
 in the country to enjoy mother natures wonders. She also enjoyed 
and adored having her grandchildren & great grandchildren around to
watch them grow. They were the joy of her later life with their bright
eyes and shining smiles.Everyone could tell she still missed her husband
so very much and someday would be reunited in God's good time.

That time has finally come for whatever reason why.  Mom, How are we
to survive without your presence here by our sides - when we need 

your hugs, your wisdom, your smile and laughter to warm our hearts, 
your criticism to set us straight, your caring forgiveness and most of all
your undying love for your family. 

We are at a loss by your sudden departure- you were the one we 
turned to in times of need-in times of sorrow- in times of celebration. 
You were not only the substance of which we are made of but also
our best friend whether we needed one or not. How are we to survive
without you? We'll survive because Mom, you and Dad showed 
and taught us how to survive in both the good and bad times that
life brings to us- you taught us to do the right things-not to be hateful
and disrespectful or greedy to others-to look for the good in people
and help one another. To stand together as a family and be proud
of who we are because we're from proud families. We will survive-
as we reflect on the past filled with memories of life's little bumps
in the road- how you and dad handled your challenges - celebrated
your accomplishments and enjoyed life as best you could.

Mom / Grandma- as you journey on angels wings to be once

again reunited with Dad/ Grandpa, remember that the loved ones

left behind will always remember your charm- your bright smiles

- your warm hugs and everlasting love. Give Dad / Grandpa a

big hug from all of us .. We'll miss you both more than you'll

ever know. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

We all love you and God be with you.


Love always,


Your Family

Blondie, Billy, ElDee, Stella
neighbor friend and mom Eva in back 

Dad (Sid) and Stella

Stella and Billy

Stella, ElDee and Blondie

Brackett Creek School girls.
Stella is second front, Blondie last on right front

Stella, friend, Blondie  at school

Blondie, Jo and Stella 

Stella and Blondie

ElDee Billing Blondie Aunt Hazel and Sid in back row
Eva Donna Jo Stella and Kelly in front

Jo Eva Stella Blondie

Billington family and friends

Glen and Stella with Roger and Terry

Bonnie and Roger with Stella

Stella and Glen at Eva's house

Blondie, Donna, Stella, Jack, Jo and Kelly at Eva's memorial 

WILBUR (BILL) BILLINGTON-life sketch-part 1

Wilbur Ray Billington was born on January 10, 1920 being the first child of Sidney and Eva Billington. We don't know if he was born in a hospital or had a midwife attend his birth at their home. His mom and dad did regular ranching chores at Layne's place out in the country near Livingston, Montana at the time he was born. As a baby, he was often put in a buggy and pushed out to the barn so that his mother could help milk the cows. Her midnight feeding included milking the cow, so the milk would be warm for Billy!

Add caption

Blondie in front, Billy in back

Blondie Billy ElDee and Stella
Friend and Eva in back

His siblings arrived within six years ... Estelle, Blondie, EIDee and Jo. Being the oldest, Billy was always put him in charge of his little brother and sisters. He kind of liked being the boss. He watched out for them all right, but were not sure about the time they went to fetch water in the middle of the winter. They had to go about a mile to Bracket Creek where they lived in a little log cabin on the Bridgemen Place, about a mile from the one room school house. Brackett Creek was located about halfway between Livingston and Bozeman. As they had no running water, the kids were use to fetching buckets of water, but this time they went swimming in it clothes and all, before coming home. When Grandma saw her little stiff kids coming home with their clothes frozen and stuck to them, she said, "If you're that dumb, you can just freeze!"

Billy was the first to start the country school. His dad would take him by

horseback until he was old enough to ride by himself. Billy started out 

with a pony that would do fine until he was out of sight from the house, 

then he would buck Billy off and Billy would come a'wailing home. Sid
would give the pony the devil and walk the pony and Bill all the way to

school. In the winter Sid would hitch up the horses and take the kids to 

school in the sleigh until they were old enough to take it by themselves. 

Some times they walked to school with snow shoes or skis.

Jo Blondie Stella and Bill

Billy was only twelve years old when he was asked by

his Dad o hitch up the sled and go into Clyde Park, 17 miles away, 

to find a doctor and bring him back to help his mom deliver Carol, 

who was born Jan 28 at home in the middle of the night before                         

the doctor could get there. Estella told Donna that was just a 

sheep bleating, not a baby crying, to keep her down stairs until

it was time to show the new baby to the family.

When Bill got out of eighth grade, he went to high school in Bozeman
because the Brackett Creek country school only had eight grades. Then the family 

moved to Dixon for two years where he attended high school, and they later

moved to Arlee, where he graduated.

Wilma Lucille Matson and Bill were sweethearts in high school. 

They corresponded when he went into the Army and they were

married Nov. 20, 1944 when Bill was home on leave. They
were sent to Atlanta Georgia, until his tour was up. They then

stayed on the ranch in Arlee until Eva sold it, then settled in 

Missoula where their first two children were born. Wilbur Ray Jr.
was born Dec. 25,1947 and Gerald Lee was born May 18,1951.

Bill was a lineman for the Pacific Telephone Co and was sent to a lot 

of little towns in Montana while they were installing telephone lines. 

They just moved their trailer around to wherever Bill was assigned. 

They finally settled in Butte Montana where there next two children 

were born. Rodney Wayne was born May 13, 1953 and Sidney Lysle 

was born Nov. 21,1957.

Bill became a foreman for the telephone company for the remainder

of his life. He spent his weekends up at their cabin with the family. 

He loved taking the boys fishing, hunting or horseback riding. 

They had three horses on their place and brought a trailer up to live

in on vacations and weekends. During summer vacation they liked 

to go camping in various places around Montana.

Jack, Sid Bill and Lyall

Bill Lana Billy and Jerry

In September of 1967 Bill suffered greatly from a brain aneurysm 

and was not able to get help in Montana. He was flown to Portland 

and even there the doctors said it was too big and massive to
save him. He died Sept 7 at an early age of 47. Wilma had to 

sell the property they loved so much and go to work to support the boys.

Rodney also passed away at an early age of 35of arthritis. But still Bill's 

family has grown. Billy has four children: Scott, Jodi, Kerri, Jeremy.
Rod has two: Heather and Kevin. Gerry has one: Kris, and Sid has three:

April, Bradley, and Chase. Bill was well known for his kind quiet manner 

and sense of humor. He was well liked and respected by everyone who knew him.