Billie Jean Hertz's Obituary
Dallas — Billie Jean Hertz, a native Dallasite, passed away Tuesday morning, Jan. 19, 2016 after a brief illness. Born in 1925 to William and Buena Mixer Ott, Billie graduated from Highland Park High School, class of 1944, and pursued a career in art beginning in the advertising department of Shaw’s Jewelers. Billie married Jack Hertz in 1947. She raised two sons and remained a strong influence throughout their lives. She was a member of the Southwest Watercolor Society and enjoyed years of study with local artists. As a founding member of the Japan America Society, she developed a passion for Japan. Billie expressed her love of natural beauty through Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging. She built lasting friendships that enabled her to realize her dream of traveling to Japan and fully experience the culture. Those journeys to visit friends and study art were exceptional moments in her life and she delighted in sharing her adventures. She loved interior design and worked for Payne Fabrics until she retired. She enjoyed gardening, attending the opera and corresponding with friends. Her lifelong friendship with Mildred and Mary was a source of strength and joy. Her generous spirit and passion for life served as an inspiration to her family and many friends. Knowing Billie was to be touched and affected by her love for the arts and delighted by her contagious laughter. She is survived by her sons Randy Hertz of Dallas and John Hertz of Gilbert Ariz.; daughters-in-law Rebecca Hertz and Mary Ellen Fresquez; grandchildren, Stephanie Hertz, Emily Hertz, Stevie Fresquez, and Greg Fresquez and wife Lissa; and great-grandchildren Jack Hertz, Jack Fresquez and Samantha Fresquez. A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday, Feb. 1 in the Abbey Chapel at Restland Funeral Home located at 13005 Greenville Ave. in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, Texas 79174 or by accessing the website at www.calfarley.org.
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