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Ivey -- Billie Jo (Pinnell) Ivey, born to Willis Mac and Josephine (Stephens) Pinnell on July 23, 1937 and went home to Jesus from Albuqueque on June 23, 1998 at 10:06 a.m., after a multi-year hard fight with a terminal illness. She was formerly of Fredonia, KS and 60 years old. To us she was Mom, to others she was Billie, Jo, big grandma, grandma Jo, or aunt Bea. Whatever name you called her, it was her hope that Jesus' spirit was what you'll remember from knowing her. She was His servant and her life showed it. She gave many volunteer hours with different groups and individuals in Kansas and New Mexico. She was well known for her pies at Woodys in Yates Center, Vande Mark Restaurant in Clyde, KS and throughout Albuquerque. Many people stopped by her home to buy pies, but no way. She was strictly scratch and bake. Other people knew her gentle and serving spirit by the hospitality they received at the Ivey House Bed and Breakfast in Yates Center, KS or the Bottger Mansion, Albuquerque. Her guests were number 1. This attitude was seen by others as she was awarded"Innkeeper of the Year" in 1997 by the Hotel Motel Association of New Mexico. She didn't realize that she was in competition with the entire state of New Mexico lodging industry. We knew her real side. Down to earth, humble, wise, fun, ornery, and a bit bossy. She was the family listener. When difficult situations arose we went to her. She would give us advise-whether solicited or not. She made sure the time spent with each of us was quality. Even though she didn't feel well most of the time, no one knew it. She refused to let her pain show. Mom was also a poet. Her writings portrayed her life. The good, bad, and in-between times. Many of her writings were to her greatest love-Jesus. He lived through our mother. Her illness took a lot of her mobility away-but not her spirit. I got my last"words of wisdom" just hours before she went to heaven. When she left us 10:06 a.m. it was very peaceful. She accomplished her most precious goal-going home to Jesus. We celebrate her life not her death. Please let her spirit continue in your hearts and lives with us. Her relatives include one daughter, Kay Montoya, Albuquerque; one son, Ben Ivey, Ferndale, CA; stepfather, Ben Bennett, Yates Center; brother, Steve Pinnell, Clyde; two sisters, Marsha Ivey of Neodesha and Connie Walker of Yates Center; two stepsisters, Joyce Beall of Iola and Pat Preset of Toronto; and six grandchildren. Her celebration services were held on June 27, 1998 at Del Norte Baptist Church, Albuquerque, and June 29 at New York Valley Church of God in Yates Center. You may send any contributions in her name to Angels Act of Kindness, 3213 Montreal Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111-5315.
        Published on: Sun July 19, 1998