Billie Jo Handel passed away on August 18, 2024 after a battle with cancer. Memorial donations can be made to the Dog and Cat Shelter, 84 E. Ridge Rd., Sheridan, WY. Online condolences can be made at www.championfh.com.

She was born June 24, 1940 in Sheridan. Billie was and will always be a mother, grandmother, wife, sister and a friend to many. She resided in Sheridan her entire life – never wanted to live elsewhere. She was a graduate of Sheridan High and raised 4 children. She was married to Lenhard Handel in 1986 and their home was in the beautiful Northern Cheyenne Reservation. There she nurtured her livestock (actually more like pets to her), baked her own bread, gardened, and was head cook at all her brandings.

In her later years, Billie was a Foster Grandparent, servicing nearly 15,000 hours at Holy Name Catholic School. She often told of how she adored the children that she helped over the years. She also was a member of the Big Horn Mountain Eagles #4169 where she enjoyed the company of many of her friends. For a time, she served as the chaplain there.

Her children will assert that she was the strongest person they knew and that she always had a beautiful smile on her face no matter what. Her sense of humor and strong heart will beremembered by her family and friends.

Survivors include her son, Billy B. Maddux of Livingston MT, daughter, Kelly Long of Dayton, Wy, daughter Tamara Perrin and her husband Terry Perrin of Sheridan WY, and a sister, Betsy McKinzie of Sheridan. She had 6 grandchildren, Chris, Brian, Lindsay, Heather, Cassie and Logan and numerous great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Terry McKennan and her husband, Lenhard Handel.

A celebration of life will be held and announced at a later date.

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