Eliza Belle Billbe, 100+, of De Soto, KS passed away peacefully Thursday, June 5th at Hillside Village of Desoto Assisted Living. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia St., Lenexa, KS 66215. Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, KS.
Belle was born on September 7, 1924 in Adrian, MO to Jim Wray and Maude McRoberts. She was preceded in death by her parents; six siblings; her first husband, Wayne Brassfield; her second husband, Roscoe Dean Billbe; son and daughter-in-law Ray “Gus” and Glenna Brassfield and stepdaughter, Janet Billbe.
Belle was fiercely independent from early in life. She cut her own pattern, pushing boundaries and sharing her love with others. She drove herself to church and to get her hair done through 2020 and lived independently until May of 2024. She owned and operated Belle’s Alterations in Kansas City, KS through February 1993 and was in leadership roles of many civic organizations including, the Council of Clubs and Business Professional Women (BPW). She was an active member of Stephen’s United Methodist Church and Tonganoxie United Methodist Church. Dean encouraged her to continue learning throughout her life, taking computer classes in the late 80’s, learning to make new cuisines and taking organ lessons. She enjoyed Big Band music, polka, and country; especially watching her great-grandchildren perform. When she wasn’t watching the Royals, Jeopardy or old westerns she was reading. As she transitioned to Hillside Village of De Soto Assisted Living, she found her love of BINGO. She won at least one round each session. She was always looking to exchange her winnings (quarters)! Lastly, she loved to cook and when cooking got more challenging, she really enjoyed going out for a meal, especially breakfast.
Belle is survived by grandchildren Jo and Daniel Hickey (David and Jacob), Ben and Elizabeth Brassfield (Sophia and Jackson), stepdaughters Jo Toner (Jason Tapler, Joel and Jennifer Tapler (Dean)) and Cathy and Tom Fisher (Timmy Fisher, Darin and Samantha Fisher (Stella, Evie and Crosby)).
As a family we are grateful for those who have supported her through her journey of life: Paul and Dottie Skelly, the Residents of Hillside Village and the loving staff who treated her as their very own family. Condolences may be sent to Porter Funeral Homes. Please direct donations in Belle’s memory to KC Hospice or Tonganoxie United Methodist Church.
A continued celebration of life will be held from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the home of Ben and Elizabeth Brassfield. Please reach out to the family for the address.
PallBearers – Dan Hickey, David Hickey, Darin Fisher, Timmy Fisher, Brian Pulliam, Mark Strausbaugh
Honorary Pallbearers Jason Tapler, Joel Tapler