Service Slated for Billie Rose-Robertson

Billie Gay Rose-Robertson went to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 8, 2023 surrounded by her children. She was born August 13, 1937 to Willie Wade Rose (Bill) and Rosie Lee.

Billie, also known as Gay in her early years, was the mother of five, grandmother to 13 and great-grandmother to 15. She was known simply as Ma to many of her children’s friends and other family members.

She grew up in Allen, Oklahoma and lived in Ada for many years where she attended the Free Will Baptist Church. Billie Gay was a devout Christian. She was devoted to her parents, children, and a welcome host to all. She was an amazing cook and loved canning with her daughter and just being in the kitchen. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and coffee with all who stopped by her back porch in Ada.

Billie had many jobs through the years. She was a waitress, she owned “The Hill” burger joint in Bellville, Texas, managed many properties and, in her later years, cared for the elderly until their death including family members.

She is survived by sons Ronnie Simmons and wife Karin of Bueana Park, California, Dennis Simmons and Roby Simmons, both of Sparks, Nevada; her only daughter, Marlene Root (Sis) and husband Robert of Sparks, Nevada; sisters Hazel Ramsey of North Carolina and Cheryl Gill of Texas.

She was preceded in death by son Steven Simmons; husbands Lester Wayne (Pete) Simmons and Malcom (Tex) Robertson; her father, Willie Wade (Bill) Rose and mother Rosie Lee; sisters Marilyn Crandel, Nell Finch, Ruby Dean Rinehart, and Joy Hays; and brothers Stanley Rose, Kent Rose and Bob Rose.

Billie Gay and Pete brought their five young children to Long Beach, California in 1966. There she met Babs, Liz and Laura who worked as waitresses and they became the best of friends and family. Babs, Laura and Liz, along with their husbands, were friends for over 54 years. Billie and her friends became known as “The Golden Girls” and continued to get together annually for their girlfriend reunions and doing some traveling. They also spent lots of time enjoying long games of Trivial Pursuit. Babs has been especially close to Billie’s children and they call her their other mother. The families spent a lot of time together growing up, enjoyed many holidays together, and enjoyed summers near Mammoth Lakes. Each of the “Golden Girls” eventually moved as their husbands passed away. All but Liz moved to Sacramento and lived at Sun Country Community where Billie had many friends. There she attended Creekside Christian Church.

Due to health concerns, in 2016 Billie moved with her son Dennis to Sparks, Nevada to be closer to her daughter Marlene. Robby came to live in Sparks, Nevada three years ago to help care for Billie and later became her fulltime caregiver.

There will be a small family service in late May. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Billie’s name to the Alzheimer Association.