Phyllis Aldean (Metz) Billups

Phyllis Aldean (Metz) Billups, 90, of Omak, Wash., passed away on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. Phyllis was born on September 12, 1924, to Orvil and Muriel Metz in Hardesty, Alberta, Canada and was the oldest of five siblings, including Raymond Metz, Duane Metz, Virginia (Metz) Montague and Sharon (Metz)

Powell-Phyllis. She attended grade school in Hardesty and often rode her beloved horse to school with brother, Raymond. The family moved from Hardesty to Oroville, Wash., where her family owned and operated an orchard.

Phyllis met Norman Billups at a grange hall dance in Molson, Wash., and they were married in Oroville, on October 26, 1942. Phyllis was a WWII bride and her eldest son, Dennis, was born while husband, Norman, served in the U.S. Army overseas. She often said that she learned how to stretch a nickel because of the lack of supplies and rationing. After the war, Phyllis and Norman made their home in Molson, ranching and raising cattle. Three more children were born, Eldon, Trish and Bruce Billups.

In 1966, Phyllis and Norman purchased the Soap Lake Wash., B&B Drive In and in 1976, moved to Grand Coulee, Wash., where they purchased and operated the B&B Drive ln.

Norman passed away on May 16, 1988. Phyllis was a member and attended the Assembly of God Church in Electric City and Omak. Phyllis moved to Omak, Wash., and lived at the Park Apartments for several years and for the last two years, she lived at Apple Springs Assisted Living.

Phyllis is survived by sons: Eldon (Kandi) Billups and son, Bruce (Kim) Billups; daughter, Trish (Bob) Butler; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and sisters: Virginia Montague and Sharon Powell.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Orvil and Muriel Metz; husband, Norman Billups; son, Dennis Billups; brother, Duane Metz; brother, Raymond Metz; and granddaughter, Christina Nelson.

Services will be held at Strate Funeral Home in Grand Coulee, Wash., at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. A Graveside Service will follow at Spring Canyon Cemetery.

The family would suggest, in lieu of flowers, that monetary donations be made to the Oroville Assembly of God Youth Group.

Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel of Okanogan is in charge of the arrangements.