BILLIE MARGARET JENSON KEITH, FUHS 1945

Keith, Billie Margaret, passed peacefully to our Fathers hands on February 18th, 2017. Billie's mind and heart were strong, but her fragile body could no longer stand up to the reoccurring ailments.

Billie Margaret Jenson was born to John Thomas and Gladys Jenson on July 4, 1927 in Poteau, OK. Although, she was a born in a small rural town she lived life with sophistication and elegance. Billie loved reading and had an eye for art, design and fashion. At 16 Billie and her family moved to Fullerton where she graduated from Fullerton High School and Fullerton Junior College. Billie was editor of the paper and president of her sorority. 

As she was very social; it was at a party that she met Kenneth London Keith, a pharmacy student at USC, and they fell in love. Billie and Ken were married for 56 years until his passing in 2003. Billie wrote in her journal, "Ken was easy to love, easy to live with, honest and honorable and not boring. So we began that on Feb. 5, 1947 ". Their union was an example of how love can make this life such a great adventure. 

Ken and Billie lived in Anaheim until 1964 and then moved to Placentia. Through the years Billie loved to entertain, and her dinner parties were a "must attend". The table was always elegantly set, and the food was amazing. No one could ever forget the crazy Christmas Eve's, the wild New Year's Eves and the wonderful Easter Brunches where everyone was welcome. All of the cooking and decorating was done by Billie who made it all seem so effortless. She had a real gift.

Billie was a loving mother and wife, and a fierce and loyal friend. Her love of family is what centered her and made her happy, and she was always the person in the family that people depended on. You may not have always liked her answer to your problem but she would stand by you. 

Billie had a strong sense of community and truly believed in service to others. Billie provided service to every presidential election while her health allowed, and she was involved in Assistance League, PEO and Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Placentia. 

The last 2 years of Billie's life were spent in Marin County at the Nazareth House. Meeting new friends, participating in yoga and belonging to the book club, she kept a very active life and we were blessed to have her with us.

Billie Margaret Keith is survived by her son, John Keith; daughter, Anne Keith; her 4 grandchildren, Paul, Keith and Amy Ransons and Max Twining; the Darnell girls and the Jenson kids. Predeceased by her husband, Kenneth and daughter, Ellen. 

Funeral Services will be held March 4, 2017 at 12 pm at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 1314 N. Angelina Drive, Placentia, California 714 528 2995.

Donations can be made to Nazareth House, 245 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael 94903.

Published in Orange County Register on Feb. 26, 2017

- See more at: Billie Margaret Keith's Obituary on Orange County Register