Billie Fretz

Billie Jane Fretz, 88, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2022, at Rock Creek of Ottawa Care Home, Ottawa, Kansas, surrounded by her family.

Billie was born Saturday, June 9, 1934, in Greensburg, KS, the youngest of seven children born to William Oaks and Mabel (Kennedy) Dorland. She graduated from Greensburg High School with the Class of 1952. She attended Butler County College in El Dorado, Kansas.

Billie was married to Allen Fretz on September 19, 1981 in El Dorado, Kansas. He preceded her in death March 17, 2015.

She moved to Paola in 2016. Prior to that time, she had lived in Augusta for 32 years and El Dorado for 28 1/2 years.

Billie had many hobbies which included camping, boating, sewing, cooking, gardening, and canning.

She was a member of the Lighthouse Presbyterian Church in Paola.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, four sisters, a granddaughter Nicole West, daughter-in-law Janine West, and son-in-law Joel Gilbert.

Survivors include her children Terry Mark (Johnnie) West of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mike (Sandie) West of Wichita, Melisa Gilbert of Jasper, AL and Melinda (Jack) James of Paola; step-son Kenny (Pat) Fretz of Kounteze, Texas; four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Billie’s Tribute Wall.