Billie Medders, of Niles

Published 9:34 am Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Sept. 3, 1930 — May 19, 2017

Billie Medders, 86, of Niles, passed away following a brief illness Friday, May 19, 2017, at Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center.

She was born Sept. 3, 1930, in Niles, to the late Walter and Anna (Hood) Williams.

Billie spent most of her younger years growing up in Sumnerville and graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1949.

Billie Medders

Shortly after graduating, she married John Murphy. The two started a family together and that union remained until 1952.

On July 9, 1955 Billie wed S. Thomas Medders at a ceremony in Niles.

Billie worked for many years as a waitress for local establishments, including B & L and Some Place Else. In addition to working and raising a family, Billie enjoyed playing cards and games with friends, quiet walks and reading. She also loved the many years her and Tom would go dancing, and she also enjoyed bowling. Billie found time spent with family to be her greatest treasure, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, S. Thomas Medders, and two sisters, Marie Nemeth and Wanita Banach.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Ruth) Murphy of Niles, Clifford Murphy of Niles, Sheila (Ted) True of Niles, Sue (Tom) Voss of South Bend, Indiana, and Nancy (Scot) Edsinga of Phoenix; 11 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Billie’s life will be hosted at noon Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at Hope Community Church in Niles, with a time of visitation for an hour prior. A private interment will be hosted in Sumnerville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Billie’s memory to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Memories of Billie are asked to be shared at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.