Obituary of Billie V. Medders

Billie Medders, 86, of Niles, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2017 at Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, following a brief illness. She was born on September 3, 1930 in Niles to the late Walter and Anna (Hood) Williams. Billie spent most of her younger years growing up in Sumnerville and graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1949. Shortly after graduating, she married John Murphy and the two started a family together and that union remained until 1952. On July 9, 1955 Billie wed S. Thomas Medders at a ceremony in Niles. Billie worked for many years as a waitress for local establishments including, B & L and Some Place Else. In addition to working and raising a family, Billie enjoyed playing cards and games with friends, quiet walks and reading. She also loved the many years her and Tom would go dancing and she also enjoyed bowling. Billie found time spent with family to be her greatest treasure, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Billie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, S. Thomas Medders and two sisters, Marie Nemeth and Wanita Banach. She is survived by her children; Michael (Ruth) Murphy of Niles, Clifford Murphy of Niles, Sheila (Ted) True of Niles, Sue (Tom) Voss of South Bend and Nancy (Scot) Edsinga of Phoenix, Arizona, eleven grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service to celebrate Billie's life will be held at Hope Community Church in Niles on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at noon with a time of visitation one hour prior. A private interment will be held at Sumnerville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Billie's memory to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.