Billie R. Hofferber, 81 passed away on November 7 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, WY. Billie Rae was born to Bill and Roma Willis on January 8, 1943, in Laramie, WY.

Her father had always wanted a son to give him his first name, so when the last of four daughters were born, they decided to call her Billie Rae. His true kindness towards one another had shown through in Billie Rae and she was always willing to help others in need. When she ended phone conversations with family and friends, we would say “I love you” and she would say “I love you more.” 

Billie attended Laramie schools and in January of her senior year she had completed all of her credits and was hired at the Laramie Boomerang by her aunt Fern White. A month later Don Hofferber returned to Laramie after his active duty tour in the U.S. Navy and resumed his printers apprenticeship. Later in that year they started dating. They were married August 4, 1962, at the First Presbyterian Church in Laramie.

In 1970 they moved to Oregon with their two first born children, Joleen and Andy where Don went to work on the Medford Mail Tribune. Their daughter LeAnn was born in Medford.

In 1974 the family returned to Laramie, where Don resumed employment at the Boomerang.

Later on Billie went to work at the administration building of the Albany County School District. Years later she took an early retirement. After she left the school district she got her CNA license with the hope that she could provide help to her sister Connie who had cancer.

Other places of employment were the Gem City Bone and Joint, Spring Wind Assisted Living, and the Albany County Clerks Office, where she retired in 2006.

She coordinated the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days in Laramie for several years.

She was a long time member of the Laramie Rebekah Lodge, Laramie Women’s Club, and a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church.

Billie is survived by her husband Don of 62 years, her children Joleen Pantier, Andy (Shannon) Hofferber, and LeAnn (Scott Gordon) Amen; grandchildren Timothy Carpenter, Melanie Carpenter, Amanda Sanders, Riley Pantier, and Justin White; 8 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her long time friend Beverly Kagel. They fondly referred to one another as sisters. She is also survived by her loving dog Jack.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Patricia White, Connie Buescher, and Jackie Liakos. Also preceding her in death is her son-in-law Rick Pantier, a great-granddaughter, and several aunts, uncles, nieces and a nephew, and many beloved dogs.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, November 18, at the First Baptist Church. Refreshments will follow. Graveside inurnment will be held next spring. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Laramie.