Wilma Shewmaker

Wilma “Billie” Shewmaker, 89, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away on November 5, 2014 at Kindred Nursing & Rehabilitation-Mountain Valley in Kellogg, Idaho.

She was born on February 3, 1925 in Wenatchee, Washington; Billie was the daughter of C.M. “Mike” and Allene (Brown) Waggoner. She moved to the Silver Valley in 1927.

Billie attended the Silver King Elementary School for eight years and then attended and graduated from the Kellogg High School in 1943.
On April 30th 1943, Billie was united in marriage to Marine Staff Sergeant Lawrence M. Shewmaker.

Billie worked for the OPA (Office of Price Administration) in Kellogg during WWII and later, for the U.S. Postal Service in Smelterville. In 1952, Billie began writing for various newspapers, including The Kellogg Evening News, The Shoshone Tribune and the North Idaho Press.

Billie volunteered as the Osburn story lady for ten years and was also a Silver Wood Good Samaritan volunteer. Billie loved the Silver Valley and always referred to it as “Shangri-La”. Billie was a Gold Star member of the Eastern Star- Shoshone Chapter #10-OES. In 1975, she started through the chairs and became Worthy Matron in 1979. She was active within the Eastern Star until age related medical problems forced her retirement from active participation. Billie was also a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Kellogg.

Billie is survived by her daughter Holly (John) Paganetti of Pinole, CA; her grandson David (Jenni) Albertini Jr and two great-grandsons Cooper and Cade Albertini of Hainesport NJ; a granddaughter Hilary (Scott) Benoit of San Francisco, CA; and her two sisters Allene “Bobbie” Henry of Coeur d’ Alene, ID and Cathy Stout of Southern Pines, SC. She is also survived by one niece, four nephews and numerous great nieces and great nephews and a great-great niece. Billie is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Lawrence who passed away in 1996.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 11:00 A.M., at the Kellogg Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ken Bartle officiating. A reception will follow services in the Kellogg Chapel. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the National Library Service Talking Books for the Blind, 1291 Taylor Street, NW
Washington, DC 20542 or ASPCA 6607 North Havana Street, Spokane, WA 99217.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Kindred Nursing & Rehabilitation-Mountain Valley of Kellogg for their wonderful care shown to Billie and her family.

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

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