Billie Irene Ellis

Billie Irene Ellis passed away at the age of 97 on December 12, 2019. Billie was born on June 8, 1922, in Cordova, Alaska to Noble Joseph and Katherine Henrietta Pickle. The family moved from Alaska and settled in Bakersfield, California.

While living in California Billie was a dance instructor. She married Joe Daniel Ellis and moved to Pauma Valley, California where they owned and operated a wholesale nursery. They sold plants and foliage to local florists. They also grew and sold Navel and Valencia oranges. Billie and Joe lived and raised their family in Pauma Valley, California until they decided to retire and move to Polson, Montana in 1980. They joined the Baptist Church and help build the new church that we are in today. Billie resided in Polson until 2011 then moved back to Pauma Valley where she was cared for by her grandchildren.

Billie was preceded in death by son Patrick Bruce Ellis, daughter Stephanie Lee Mendez, husband Joe Daniel Ellis and grandson Robert Craig Mendez.

Billie is survived by five grandchildren, Yolanda Mackenzie, Jon Mendez, Steven Ellis, Carrie Helm, Abraxas Miles, a niece from Polson Cheryl Ellis, ten great grandchildren and many more great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church.