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Billie Kleespies: Nov. 26, 1943-March 16, 2026

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures such as shopping, baking, and especially gardening. Billie had a true gift with plants and could make anything grow.

Billie Pryce Kleespies, 82, of Kerrville, passed away on March 16, 2026.

She was born on November 26, 1943, in Houston, Texas, to Hardin Childers and Willie Mae Sorrels Childers. Billie graduated from Galena Park High School in Houston and spent much of her early life in the Houston area before making Kerrville her home for the past 42 years.

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Billie married the love of her life, Bill Kleespies, on February 27, 1969, in Houston.

In her younger years, Billie worked as an airline stewardess, reflecting her love of people and her adventurous spirit. She later co-owned Graphic Profile Signs with her husband, Bill, for many years before going on to serve as a dedicated bookkeeper for S&S Bridge Painting Company.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures such as shopping, baking, and especially gardening. Billie had a true gift with plants and could make anything grow. More than anything, she cherished time with her family and friends. Known for her warm and welcoming spirit, Billie never met a stranger and made everyone feel at home in her presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Kleespies; and her stepson, Bart Kleespies.

Billie is survived by her stepson, Bret Kleespies and his wife, Susan; her brother, Gene Childers; her grandchildren, Michelle Kleespies, Michael Kleespies, Matthew Kleespies, Mindy Kleespies McSwain, Savannah Kleespies, and Lexi Moore; her great-grandchildren, Conner Coberley, Charlie McSwain, Hayden Kleespies, and Paisley Kleespies; her nephew, David Childers; her niece, Terrie Childers; and her great-nephew, Preston Childers.

Author

Growing up in Southern California, Louis Amestoy remained connected to Texas as the birthplace of his father and grandfather. Texas was always a presence in the family’s life. Amestoy’s great-grandparents settled in San Antonio, Texas, drawn by the city’s connections to Mexico and the region’s German communities. In 2019, Louis Amestoy saw an opportunity to make a home in Texas. After 30 years of working for corporate media chains, Louis Amestoy saw a chance to establish an independent voice in the Texas Hill Country. He launched The Lead to be that vehicle. With investment from Meta, Amestoy began independently publishing on Aug. 9, 2021. The Amestoys have called Kerrville home since 2019.

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