Billie Jeane Ross of Pasco, Wash. passed away in Pasco on Dec. 31, 2022 at the age of 91.
She was born on Nov. 16, 1931 in Alliance, Neb. to Harley and Agnes White Miller.
Billie moved to Eastern Oregon with her family in the early 1940s. She graduated from Hermiston High School in the class of 1950. She then attended one year of college at Eastern Oregon College in La Grande. She married William “Ray” Ross in Hermiston on April 20, 1952. They built their first home in Umatilla, where they lived for several years. In 1968, the couple bought a small farm with a five-acre vineyard of Concord grapes in Pasco, Wash. They later expanded the orchard to total 12 acres of grapes.
Billie worked several jobs during her career: at the Ordnance Depot, for the city of Umatilla, farming her vineyard, and as a bookkeeper for a construction company in Pasco. She enjoyed farming her property in her later years.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane (Tom) Strycula; best little sister, Donna Connor; granddaughter, Melanie Ross; and several nieces and one nephew.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray; and her son, David.
A private family graveside service was held at the Hermiston Cemetery.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
