Judy (Judith Rea Howard) Billings, age 87, passed away in Lakewood, CO on November 10th, 2022. She
passed peacefully in her home with her devoted daughter and husband at her side.
Judy was the daughter of Grayce and Rea Howard. She grew up in Salina, KS with her sister, Joan Howard
and brother (the late) Jack Howard. From there she went on to Kansas University where she was the
belle of the ball quite literally, as she was the queen of the Military Ball. Here again, as she would do her
entire life, she amassed many more enduring friendships. Judy delighted in nurturing her friendships
through the years. One of her greatest joys. She was very involved in her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and the
student council. It was there that she met her lifelong companion, best friend and husband, Rich
(Richard) Billings. Soon after they married and began their family with the birth of their son, Jim Billings.
Not long afterwards they set off to Colorado to find their fame and fortune.
Several years later they had their daughter, Barbara Billings. Barbara and Judy shared a mother-daughter
love affair like no other that lasted up to the moment of Judy’s departure (and still does). Now their
family was complete…… well, for a while.
While Rich set out to create his successful company, Judy was busy taking care of their children and their
home. Judy was always so proud of the companies that Rich built, Skyline Property Management and
Billings Investments. She was even more proud when their son joined forces with his father to create an
even more successful venture.
Judy was a home room mother, participated in Jim and Barbara’s activities and was likely the role model
for the “Kool-Aid” mom. She was also known to throw one heck of a party all the while becoming a
rabid Bronco fan. Judy and Rich provided their children with such a wonderful home and the love they
provided endures to this day.
As time moved on, Judy became more involved in her Pi Phi and KU Alumni activities. She became an
intense Bridge player eventually becoming a Life Master. All the time adding even more good friends to
her life. Judy and Rich were members of Rolling Hills Country Club, Lakewood Country Club, Ironwood
Country Club (Palm Desert, CA) and Applewood Valley United Methodist Church where they have always
been quite active in the church community. In California, Judy was also a Silver Patroness of the
McCallum Muses & Patroness Circle.
Judy became a grandmother when Jim and his wife, Brenda Worley Billings (who proceeded Judy in
death) had their first child, Jessica. Soon three more grandchildren were part of the Billings clan. Jacquie
(married to Cody Schuyler), Jamie and Brady. Judy loved those babies and “could eat them up” as she
would say. Later, Jessica would marry her high school sweetheart, Will Barnette and bring Judy’s first
two great-grandchildren into the family, Liam and Brenna.
Judy and Rich were bi-residential with a second home in Palm Desert, CA. As you might have guessed,
she made even more friends. Judy was, indeed, well loved. Judy and Rich became well enmeshed in the
Desert community. They were regular attendees at Town Hall lectures and were season ticket holders at
the McCallum Theater. In March of 2018 Judy and Rich were honored for their contributions to the arts
at McCallum with their own star on the “Walk of Fame.”
Judy’s warm heart and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her.
Judy is survived by all of the afore mentioned family and Barbara’s husband, Jeff Grundmann and Jim’s
fiancé, Brenda Christy and (as you can see above) way too many friends to mention here.
A memorial service is planned for 11:30 am, Friday December 02, 2022 at the Applewood Valley
Methodist Church 2035 N Ellis St, Golden, CO 80401.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Urban Peak or The
Action Center.
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to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Judith Rea Billings, please visit our floral store.