Billie Nadine Bradford, age 95, passed away on June 6, 2024, in Richland, WA. Billie was born the eighth child of Horace and Amy Koontz on November 3, 1928, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

She spent her first seven years in Fort Smith. One of her fondest memories was when her mother would take the kids down to Uncle Ernie’s farm in Paris, Arkansas for a visit. They enjoyed the animals and learning about farm life.

When Billie was 7 years old, the family moved to Los Angeles, California. Her dad bought a 1928 Dodge and a trailer, and all ten people jumped in the car for a fun adventure! It was “California or Bust!”

While growing up, Billie and her sister, Marilyn, spent a lot of time together. They enjoyed going to the movies and to the beach. Billie loved music and collected records. She sang in the Bell High School choir. One year she performed in the school production of Oklahoma, and they were invited to perform at the Shriners Auditorium. The landlady’s daughter at Billie’s first home in Los Angeles was an acrobat. She taught Billie to walk on a wire with a glass of water on her forehead and how to ride a unicycle.

Billie enjoyed her dating years and was popular with her peers. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Jess. They were married in October 1948 and enjoyed 56 years together. Jess was in the Navy for 20 years, so the family lived in San Diego and Norwalk while Jess was stationed in Long Beach, CA. Together they raised four children (Larry, Dan, Becky, and Alan). Many times, during Jess’s Navy career he would ship out for months at a time. Billie loved to share the story that every time he would leave, she would say, “I’m going to miss you.”  Jess would reply, “I’ll miss you too, but at least you have the kids.”  Billie would reply, “Why don’t you take a couple of them with you.”

Billie began a long successful career at Bell Telephone and North American Rockwell while in California. In 1968, the family moved to Richland, WA. Billie went to work (and retired from) the City of Richland in Materials Management.

In the early 70’s, Billie and Jess were visiting sister Marilyn’s family in Western Washington. The neighbor had a unicycle and Billie was able to get on and peddle all around. Everyone was quite impressed; She had not ridden a unicycle in over 40 years!

During her long and happy life, Billie enjoyed many activities that included dance clubs, bowling, crossword puzzles, family campouts, vacations, family reunions, church activities, and traveling with Jess around the nation and abroad. She was also very good at the television game show Jeopardy. The family often encouraged her to apply to be a contestant on the show, but that never came to pass.

Billie is survived by her children, Dan (Sandy), Becky, Alan (Shawn), her Daughter-in-Law Donna, her sister Marilyn Koontz Riley, as well as eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jess, son Larry, and her siblings, Vooray, Vernon, Loyd, Bertha, Juanita, Joleeta (aka Jo), Evaleeta (aka Eva), and Dorsey (aka Doc).

Billie was a sweet, strong woman who lived a life marked by devotion to her family, friends, and community. She was very devoted to the Lord and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Kennewick, WA. As time went by, various family members joined her, creating the “Bradford Pew.”

A celebration of Billie’s life will be held on August 10, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at Einan’s Sunset Gardens. Colorful, casual attire is welcomed (shorts included).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Shriners Children’s Hospital (lovetotherescue.org) on Billie’s behalf. Thank you.

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