Billie Jean Wells, 84, of Winfield, died Thursday, October 19, 2023, at her home.

Billie was born on March 6, 1939, in DeSoto to William F. and Nina May (Smith) Caldwell.  She was raised and received her education in DeSoto, graduating from DeSoto High School in 1957.  Billie continued her education at Kansas University, earning her bachelor's degree in education.  She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and worked in the GSP dormitory cafeteria while at KU.

Billie married Bruce Wells on January 29, 1959 in Miami, Oklahoma. The couple made their first home in Lawrence, but continued to live in many places throughout their married years including Kansas City, MO; St. Paul, MN; Worthington, MN; Pensacola, FL; Virginia Beach, VA; Oklahoma City, OK; and finally settling in Winfield.

Billie worked for Hallmark during her time in Kansas City.  She also was a Westside Clinic computer consultant and freelance photographer.  However, her most important job was being a wife and mother to her children.

She was a recipient of the First National Bank Citizen of the month award.  Billie worked for the Walnut Valley Festival for ten years, and attended every year from 1972 to 2019.  She was a Sunday school teacher, girl scout troop leader, and served on the PTO and in home room at Irving Elementary.  She enjoyed photography, Irish set dancing, and country and western line and two step dancing, and flower and vegetable gardening.  Billie was a member of the Mother's for a new school at WHS, the Mother's Study Club, Squat & Gobble lunch group, the Coffee Club, the Winfield Photography Club, and was secretary of CROP Walk.

Her family includes her husband Bruce Wells of Winfield; her daughters, Faith Wells (Kevin Smith) of Los Altos, CA; Christina Wells (Kent Gates) of Columbia, MO; Robin Hodges (Lance) of Overland Park; Gretchen Wells (Chad Hoobler) of Baldwin City; her grandchildren, Cory and Casey Smith; Ellie Gates; Ben and Marin Hodges; and Meredith, Brett, and Blake Chapple; and her sister Frances Semler of Lee's Summit, MO.

In addition to her parents, Billie was preceded in death by her brother James Caldwell and her sister Marian Plumb.

A celebration of life for friends and family will be held at The Barns at Timber Creek, 14704 91st Rd in Winfield from 1 to 4 P.M., on Saturday, March 16, 2024, near St. Patrick's Day which was Billie's favorite holiday.

A memorial has been established in Billie's name for Irving Elementary School.  Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service.