Our mother, grandmother and sister, Billie L. Sterling Knudson, passed away on June 11, 2021. Billie was born on June 27, 1930 to Ulon Brock “Bob” Sterling and Emma Ann Mankameyer in Sheridan, Wyoming. Bob was the Sonnette postmaster and a rancher. Emma was a general store owner at Sonnette, Montana. In 1931, sister Betty Lou was born and Billie now had a sidekick to play with. They worked hard helping on the ranch and at the store as children but still found time to have fun. Billie attended school through the 5th grade in Arvada, Wyoming where she lived with her grandmother, Grace Mankameyer. She attended 6th through 8th grade at the Mitchell School near Sonnette before attending her freshman year of high school in Miles City, Montana, living with JoAnn and Carl Smith, her aunt and uncle. About half way through the year, Billie came back to Broadus to go to school with Betty. In 1946, little sister, Bonnie, came along and Billie stayed home from school for that year to take care of her so her mom could operate the store and post office. Billie returned to school the following year and graduated with Betty.
When Billie was a senior, she did not have a date for the high school prom. Aunt Hazel Palmer suggested she ask Lars Knudson, a 25 year old neighbor who lived 10 miles from the Sonnette Store. Billie asked Lars to go, he said yes! Three years later, on October 20, 1950, Billie and Lars married in Roundup, Montana. To this marriage were born three children: Ann in 1952, Gaye in 1954 and Bea in 1955. Billie raised her children and worked the ranch with Lars for 42 years until she retired to Broadus in 1982. Billie enjoyed visiting with the grandkids and by fixing lunch for 8 grandkids over a span of 30 years during the school years gave her that opportunity. The grandkids and their friends were always welcome at Grandma Billie’s house.
Billie had a great love of sports. Before she married, her goal was to be a Physical Education Teacher. She had the opportunity to enjoy part of that goal when she coached the Broadus Girls Golf Team for 10 years. Her interest in sports extended into watching the grandkids participate in sports throughout their Junior High, High School and College careers. She even made the long trek to Missoula to watch Shawn play basketball for the Griz. Billie could talk football, basketball and golf with the best of them. Bowling, fast pitch softball and golf were other sports she enjoyed playing to the fullest.
Billie loved to dance from her teenage years through her senior years. She shared stories of her and Betty going to country dances with the Melville boys, getting home just in time for her mother to tell them to get the coffee started. Lars and Billie shared their passion for dancing with sisters, Betty & Charles and Bonnie & Dennis.
Billie hosted and attended many card parties over the years. Friday was a favorite day of the week because several family and friends gathered to play Pinochle. She did love playing cards with her friends and especially with her daughters, Bea, Gaye and Ann and sisters, Betty and Bonnie. When she was living in the Powder River Manor, she looked forward to seeing family and friends that came to play cards.
Billie is survived by her children: Ann (Tom) Emmons, Gaye (Sid) Samuelson and Bea Knudson; grandchildren: Brett (Kimber) Emmons, Jacy (Jim) Collins, Shawn Samuelson, Kevin (Sami) Samuelson, Mandy Samuelson (Todd Rambur), Heidi (Cody) Terrett and Cody (Jessica)Samuelson; great grandchildren: Malachi (Savannah) Emmons, Jared (Kylie) Samuelson, Shane (Kola) Samuelson, Addison Rambur, Emma Isaacs, Cale Emmons, Gracie Gali, Kade Samuelson, Kensi Emmons, Caty Emmons, Deacon Rambur, Brock Gali, Landyn Merwin, Karlee Emmons, Sidney Samuelson, Whitney Samuelson and Willow Samuelson, great great grandchildren: Jordyn Samuelson, Blair Samuelson and Barrett Emmons. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Stabio and Bonnie (Dennis) Lyda. Billie’s husband, parents, great granddaughter, Kenna Emmons and brothers-in-law, Charles Alderman and Charley Stabio preceded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Powder River Manor.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday June 25, 2021
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
101 East Wilson
Broadus, Mt 59317
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Tom and Judy Colins says
We just heard about Billie. We were so sorry to hear of her passing. She was such a great lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mary Bordeaux says
I will miss Ms Billie,I just got to know her through my job. And I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. She was a gem and I so enjoyed her talking to me about her family, she loved yall dearly. I am honored to have had the time we shared over this year,again prayers to the family.
Betty Ganser says
Sorry to hear about Billie. What a great lady with such heart warming humor. Thoughts and prayers to the family. When I lived in Broadus I enjoyed her so much.
Carol Schneidt says
Thoughts and prayers to all of Billie’s family!
Rhonda says
Ann, Gaye, Bea and all the family, so sorry to hear about Billie. We had so much fun golfing, playing cards or just visiting. I will always remember the “now honey” phrase that she would use. Makes me smile…hugs and prayers to you all. Hope she can play all the cards and golf up there she can handle. God blees
Bert and Nancy Stoddard says
We are so sorry to hear about Billie. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sylvia Zimmer says
And her next journey begins… Billie leaves with us many many years of memories.. from spending time with Ann at the family home Sonnette way in high school, coaching high school golf together and all our adult?🤣 golf tournaments, bowling alley coffee… this lady is at the top. Hugs and prayers for all the family…🙏💚🙏
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to all of Billie’s family.
Doug Benge says
Knudson Family:
Condolences on Billie’s passing. Knudson family were long time, loyal and much appreciated clients, and more importantly great friends. Billie, and Lars, were astute and keen thinkers, and always looking ahead, planning for the future. She (they) leave a great legacy in all of you. Best wishes to all.
Pat Jones says
Sorry for your loss, she was a special lady and have so many fond memories of her and Lars, love and hugs to you all.
Della Gresli says
Sorry to hear we have lost Billie. She was a good one. We had some good breakfasts with her and Lars after a few Sonette dances. Great neighbors. Sending condolences to all the family. We will miss her in many ways.
Della Greslin says
Sorry to hear we have lost Billie. She was a good one. We had some good breakfasts with her and Lars after a few Sonette dances. Great neighbors. Sending condolences to all the family. We will miss her in many ways.
Robbin Stoddard says
Heartfelt sympathy to Ann, Gaye, Bea, and all of the families…Billie will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you navigate this sad loss.
Ron and Connie (Earley) Watts says
Bea, Gaye and Ann – very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. God bless you and all your families.
Pam and Dave says
Ann, Gaye,and Bea, Our love and prayers for comfort in this huge loss!!! Her love for her family was sooo evident!!! Her joy in watching and keeping up with all of the many activities and games,,❤️ I am blessed to have known her and your dear dad for over 40 years! Hugs!!!
SALLY A. BORLA says
I TOO WAS SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF SUCH A KIND, WONDERFUL LADY. I LIKED HER FROM THE FIRST TIME I MET HER AND SHE WAS ALWAYS SO UPBEAT–SHE AND LARS RAISED A WONDERFUL FAMILY AND I KNOW SHE WILL BE SO MISSED BY ALL OF THEM. I HAVE BEEN THINKING OF EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU–PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY TO ALL-HEAVEN HAS ANOTHER ANGEL. GOD BLESS
Ginger says
Ann, Gaye, Bea and families: Billie loved each and every one of you equally and unconditionally and it showed. Her following all of you in sports, hosting family get-togethers, playing cards, and rounds and rounds and rounds of golf were her thriving life force. I know you’ll miss her, as we all will, but she’ll still be with you wherever and whenever. My thoughts, prayers, peace and comfort are with you all.
Bernice Rolfson says
So sorry to hear about Billie. I have many fond memories of she and Lars at our bowling get togethers. She was a great lady. My prayers are with all of you,
Curtis and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss
Wendy Warren says
My heart is broken for your loss. What a tresure of a lady and so many years of memories your family can hold on to. Prayers for you all.
Dale Tribby says
Bea and Family – So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I know how much time you spent with her. My thoughts are with you all.
Pattee says
I just heard sorry to hear about billies passing!! She was such a wonderful woman who I loved to visit with when ever I got the chance! I especially loved seeing her on the golf course when I was a young kid!
Meredith Blankenship Tuttle says
Ann, Gaye,and Be a, so sorry to hear about Billie’s passing. Found memories of her and Lars time at the bowling alley. Prayers for you all.
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
Our sympathy to Billie’s family. She was a fun lady and I know will be missed.
Darlene Songer says
Ann,Gay,Bea…so sorry to hear of your loss. She was an amazing lady. Lost a good one!
Karen Knutson says
Prayers for the family of Billie. I remember her to be such a great bowler. Always smiling and telling jokes. She did so much for Powder River County.
Sandy Sterling Diede says
Such a great lady with a smile for everyone! She will be missed. Thinking of all of you in this time. Hugs.
Judy Shamley says
Thoughts and prayers to all of Billie’s family – what an amazing legacy! I didn’t know her well, but have early memories of her being one fantastic bowler! May all the wonderful memories offer you peace and comfort.
Jan Drake says
Billie sounds like an amazing woman who had a very rich and full life. You were all blessed to have had her in your lives.
I would have loved to have met her, but sadly never did.
May her memory be a blessing all.
Tarra says
Billie was such a blessing, she will be greatly missed. Prayers of healing for the family, and friends
Cora Mae Ofstie says
Condolences to Billie’s girls & all the families. May God help you hold your memories close.
arlen miller *& Alice Miller says
so sorry to hear of your loss ,condolences to all the families
Glenda and Zig Flint says
Ann, Gaye, and Bea, and all the rest of the family…I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a great lady. May her memory always make you smile.
Jane Thompson says
What a blessing Billie was! Have known her since our bowling years and more recently great times playing cards with her wonderful family and friends. We will all miss her.
Sharyn Wallace says
Billie was such a great mentor to me. Took me under her wing and guided me thru the thick and thin. Loved that lady! Chell loved her also💜 she raised three wonderful girls to be everything they wanted to be along with many many others. She leaves a great legacy. 🥀
Pam Rogge says
Bea and family,
My condolences on the loss of your mom. Cherish the many memories I’m sure you have of times with her.
Ray Traub says
My condolences and prayers to the family. An awesome lady!!
Sandra Trucano says
Sorry to hear about Billie; she always had a smile and even need for oxygen didn’t stop her from going golfing or driving down to get her morning coffee. My Dad, Bob and Donnie Sterling grew up together and so many good memories of all those Sonnette dances that my parents took us to from time we were little when all the neighbors got together and enjoyed a Saturday evening with Melvilles playing the tunes. Condolences to all her family, she was a bright spot that will be missed.
Mary Roig says
I’m so sorry for the loss of Billoe. Love and prayers to all the family and friends and to the Powder River Manor🙏💕
Sonny Lockwood and Sandy Stahl says
Gaye and Family – Sorry we couldn’t make it to honor Billie today. Our thoughts are with you.
Dee Dee Stabio Heinert says
Gaye, Ann & Bea so sorry for the loss of your mom. What a great lady and always loved her laugh!