June 13, 1936 – September 27, 2013

Billie Jean Smith, a Prineville resident went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 27, 2013. She was 77.

Billie was born in Maplesville, Kentucky, it should have been called ”Asherville” because of all the Ashers that lived there, on June 13, 1936 to Charles and Lou Asher. She grew up in Laurel County, Kentucky. She was saved as a girl and was a member of Old Salem Baptist Church in London, Kentucky. She graduated from Bush high school in 1954. Billie then went to Weaver Airline School, graduating in 1956. After she graduated from school, her parents moved the family to Prineville, Oregon .

Billie married the love of her life, Ernie Smith, in July of 1965 . They had one daughter, Mollie. They made their home in Sandy, Oregon. Billie loved working in retail and the fashion industry. She was manager of the ”Queen’s Closet” in Portland, Oregon for many years. When she wasn’t working at the Queen’s Closet, she would help with the families raspberry farm.

In 1990, Billie moved back to Prineville, Oregon. She worked at Erickson’s department store from 1990 until the time that Erickson’s closed their doors. After this she took care of both of her parents, until their deaths.

Billie was a member of the Old Salem Baptist Church in London, Kentucky and she attended Juniper Canyon Baptist Church in Prineville until her health became bad. She was also a member of Daughters of the American Revolution. She loved visiting with people, working in her flower beds and her garden, and she was a dedicated caregiver.

She is survived by her daughter, Mollie (Clint) Gumpert of Prineville, Oregon; Brother, Melvin Asher (Diana) of Alfalfa, Oregon, granddaughter, Cheyanne Waetjen(Luke) of Prineville, Oregon and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie in 1983; both parents and her brothers; Calvin Asher, Alvin Asher and William Asher.

There will be a graveside service for Billie on Thursday, October 3rd at 10:00 at Juniper Haven Cemetery in Prineville, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 at Juniper Canyon Baptist Church, 9180 SE Juniper Canyon Road in Prineville.

Arrangements are in the care of Prineville Funeral Home. Please visit www.PrinevilleFuneralHome.com to share your memories or express your condolences by signing the on-line Guest Book.