Billie Lou Lowry, 86

Billie Lou Posey Lowry was born in St. Maries, Idaho, on Jan. 17, 1934. She led a colorful life; she was spirited, ornery, loyal, funny, beautiful and STRONG. Mom was number five out of six children; they all lived in a small home on Shits Creek, in Burke, Idaho, until the untimely death of her father in 1940. The family then moved to Coeur d’Alene.

Mom went to work at the “Boat Drive In” in her teens to help out the family.

She went to Coeur d’Alene High School and graduated at the end of her junior year (she was that smart).

Billie then went to work at Templin’s and met her first husband, Jim Taylor. Together they had Jim Duffy and Bob. They later divorced and Mom met Bill Lowry through his sister, Phyllis Muehle. Bill had two daughters, Vickie and Nikki. Mom and Dad then brought two more kids to the family, Lisa and Bill. For a period of time we all lived in the same house, what great memories we made. We think they did a great job of loving all of us as their own.

Mom had a full and busy life. While Dad worked in the woods running the physical part of Lowry Trucking, Mom stayed home with us kids and ran the office side. She did it all with a smile and a ton of grace. Together they built an amazing, successful business, family and marriage. They were a great team.

Once all of us kids were raised, they settled into a calmer life. They enjoyed their cabin on the lake and Dad loved to drive his ski boat as fast as he could and turn quickly, scaring Mom because he couldn’t swim and would never wear a life jacket!

Once they decided to retire they split their time between home in Coeur d’Alene and their winter place in Sun City West. Mom always loved to golf and was really good at it. She loved being in Arizona and golfing as much as she could.

Mom and Dad had 50 years together, working, golfing and loving each other’s company.

Mom lost Dad in August of 2012, and in losing him, she lost her purpose, her best friend, and a part of herself.

In 2014, Mom decided to move to Meridian, Idaho, to be closer to her daughter and into a retirement community, which she truly loved. She played bridge, had daily happy hours with her friends, and seemed to really prosper there, even though she still missed her beloved husband terribly.

Momma, Mom, Nonners, Non, Nonnie Grandma, Auntie Billie and all the names we can think that you were called- we will miss you dearly and we know you’re at peace having a glass of wine, hitting a hole-in-one, and spending time with all the loved ones that departed before you.

Mom, we will always miss your spunk, spirit, your humor and your faithfulness.

Mom is survived by Vickie (Skip) Sampson, Nikki (Mark) Russell, Duffy Taylor, Bob (Cindy) Lowry, Lisa (Mike) Vuittonet and Bill (Trudi) Lowry, 19 grandkids, 10 great-grandkids, nieces, nephews and many, many friends and family who love her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings; her husband, Bill Lowry; her son, Jim Taylor; and two grandchildren, Cody Lowry and Kayce Wood. I would love to witness that reunion!

Until we meet again, Thanks for all the great love you blessed us with!

Love you Mom.

A private family graveside and reception is being held.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Billie’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com