Billie Ann Drehle, 89 years old, returned to the side of her husband on1/15/20. She had been planning her trip ever since 12/20/19, when John left to make ready their eternal home. Billie was determined to reach her destination by John’s 92nd birthday 1/16/20.
Billie was born in 1930 to William and Anna Backes, the last of their 8 children. They lived on the family farm in Malta Bend, MO during the depression, but that was the term for the era-not their family life. A family who enjoyed gathering with all, who often opened their hearts and home to those in need. Good food grown on their farm was in abundance, and it doesn’t take much for a deck of cards even if homemade.
Billie had been a member of the Malta Bend girls’ basketball team who won the district championship her junior year. (Grandkids think they inherited their athleticism from grandpa, but probably it was 50/50 gene pool) Looking forward to defending this title her senior year, she was met with a disappointment, when their family farm was sold and she moved to Norborne, MO. Little did she know that God’s design for her had started to take shape. Here she met John Drehle and was married in 1952, during the Korean War. Finding out he was getting shipped out to Germany and making sure he didn’t lose the love of his life, he proposed on a Sunday and married her on that Wednesday. This would be the only time they were apart. On return 10 months later, they moved to KC. The first of opening hearts and home to others began with John’s family, Charlene, who lived with them when they first came to KC, followed by sister Rose, brother Larry, and Billie’s niece, Linda. John and Billie raised four daughters but, many more were considered their extended family.
When most women in the 50’s were stay at home mom’s, Billie was working as a bank teller in Norborne and continued at Hickman Mills Bank (UMB) as head teller until 1982. Billie and John were a true partnership in all aspects of life working hard and taking care of their daughters. Billie could have coined the term “stand by your man”, as her love and devotion to him was unending. This same devotion carried on as a mother and grandmother. Countless hours she helped each of her daughters and children in their own times and conflicts to assist with care, patience, and a helping hand that gave them strength to carry on with the knowledge that God will see us through. It’s hard to separate Billie and John, as they were always a team. Their commitment to their grandchildren was never ending – there wasn’t a better cheer team than those two.
In 1989, John and Billie started their annual winter trek to Port Aransas to meet up with Billie’s brothers, sisters and spouses for 6 weeks of love, laughter, and of course cards. The planning was just as much fun as she and her sister Mike, would giggle with anticipation as they packed the car. During these years, they would spend time with their extended family Joyce and Dan Fox and kids. Attending many of their activities to support and cheer them on. It was always a joy to watch the interaction between them all – again a true and abiding love. During the later years, John’s family Rose and Jim, Larry and Betty would arrive for the good times. The door was always welcomed with a smile and hug to greet all.
And now the team has been reunited in heaven with God at their sides. The legacy of their motto “work hard and family first” does not end with their passing. All know their love and guidance will continue from above as we carry on.
Visitation will be 9:30-10:30 AM followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM on Friday, January 31st at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 West 103rd Street, Overland Park, KS. Burial will be 3:00 PM at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Catholic Community Hospice, 9740 West 87th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212.