She was born August 22, 1925 in Quincy, Illinois the daughter of Rex and Alta V. LeMatty Ruyle. On July 12, 1943 she married Robert Rooney in La Grange, MO. He survives.

Billie enjoyed gardening and spending time at the river on their pontoon boat. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and was a voracious reader, especially sitting on the porch or on the pontoon. She was also fanatical about family birthday parties.

Survivors also include 5 children, Michael Robert Rooney, Patrick Rooney and his wife Rosie Pryor-Rooney, Thomas C. Rooney, Peggy Johnson and her husband Grant, and Teresa 'Teri' Ayers and her husband Kent, all of Quincy; 4 grandchildren, Joshua Krigbaum of Seattle, WA, Tera Krigbaum of Springfield, IL, and Brian Ayers and Kristin Ayers, both of Quincy; 2 sisters, Norma Rykoskey of Oxnard, CA, and Jackie Paben of Quincy, and numerous aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Graveside services: 11:30 am Friday, May 9, 2008, at Greenmount Cemetery.

Visitation: There will be no visitation but friends are invited to the services.

Memorials: made to a charity of the donor's choice in her name would be appreciated.

Website: www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.