Billie Jane (Ball) Blumenshine, 95, died October 10, 2020, in Hutchinson. She was born September 22, 1925, in Pratt, to Earl James and Faith Alvena (Freeman) Ball.
Billie attended Pratt schools, graduating in 1943. She worked at the Pratt Air Base in a Civil Service position throughout World War II. After resigning, Billie entered Wichita-St. Joseph School of Nursing, graduating in 1949.
She married Gordon C. Blumenshine, of Clearwater, on May 24, 1949. They lived briefly in Clearwater, and then made their home in Wichita. In 1963, Billie and Gordon moved to a farm near Mulvane. They lived in Belle Plaine from 1976, until retiring to Hutchinson in 1985.
Billie had a long, active career in nursing, from 1950 until she retired in 1985. She worked at St. Joseph Medical Center, Wichita MediCenter, Boeing Aircraft, and in several physician’s practices in Wichita and Belle Plaine.
Billie was passionate about providing professional, compassionate health care, and had wonderful, warm relationships with those for whom she cared. She was kind to all she met and had an unfailing positive attitude. Billie was artistic, loved music and was always busy with a project of some kind. Throughout the years, Billie and her family enthusiastically participated in the Sedgwick County 4-H program, and enjoyed boating and water skiing together and with extended family and friends.
Billie is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Christine Marie (Jerry) Gee of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Billie Patrice ‘Trice’ (Roger) Mott of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Carolyn (Joshua) Jaeger, Erin (Bob) Van Allen, Stephanie Mott, Cassie Mott (Jason Wyer) and Garret Mott; seven great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Faith Ball; husband, Gordon; brothers, Dwight and Kenneth Ball; sisters, Mildred Wedmark and Virginia Beech; and one grandson, Nathan Gee.
A family graveside service will be held at the Clearwater Cemetery. Friends can leave on-line condolences for the family and view pictures of Billie’s life on the Elliott Mortuary website. Just click on Billie’s obituary.
Memorials are suggested to The Kansas 4-H Foundation (to benefit Rock Springs 4-H Center), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.