Billie Ruth Hale's Obituary
Billie Ruth Graves Hale was born the fourth of five children. She was preceded in death by her father, Lamb Temple Graves and her mother, Niña Elizabeth Bohannan Graves. She was born December 21, 1934 in Palestine, Texas. And don't pronounce it Palestine as in the country in the Middle East because she would quickly correct you and let you know it is pronounced “Palesteen”. She graduated from Palestine High School and attended Kilgore College. Billie loved to tell people she was a Kilgore Rangerette under the direction of Gussie Nell Davis for 2 weeks until she decided it was too much work and quit. Billie married Don Hale (deceased) on June 14, 1958. Together they raised 3 wonderful children. However, the true loves of her life were her 5 grandchildren. Billie loved people. She loved cooking for family and friends. Her specialty was fried chicken and gravy with a big glass of sweet tea. Dessert was usually apple crisp and ice cream. Don and Billie started their life together in College Station where Don attended Texas A&M and Billie worked for the university. Their first child, a daughter, was born before Don graduated. After graduation they moved to Dallas and eventually made their way to the Lake Highlands area. They added a daughter and a son to complete their family. Billie loved living in Lake Highlands and made numerous friends during her almost 60 years there. Billie lived life to the fullest. She was known by many names such as the Mayor of the Block, Commander, Viking Princess, Billie Butt, Miss America, Road Noise, Mom, Mimi, and Precious. Billie also enjoyed traveling, but Don and lifelong friend, Dan, would joke that “Road Noise” had to sit in the very back of the vehicle. Billie never met a stranger. She epitomized the word extrovert. She will be remembered for her friendly personality and wonderful sense of humor. Even as dementia robbed her of her memory, her sense of humor never wavered.
She is survived by daughters, Denise Hale and Diane Hale Smith (Glen Smith). Son, Jason G. Hale (Mykala Hale). Sister, Rebecca Wright. Grandchildren, Baily Hale, Brenna Hale, Joel Smith, Colt Smith, and Luke Smith, and four nieces. She will be greatly missed by her family and numerous friends including the members of The Group.
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