Billie Clara Gilbow

Billie Clara Gilbow, 91, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Dec. 25, 2015 in the Willard Walker Hospice Home. She was born Nov. 3, 1924 in Calumet, Ark. to Louie Lynn and Claire Mitchell McElhaney. She married Lonnie Gilbow on Jan. 24, 1946 and they enjoyed 69 years together. Billie, a Christian, attended the University Baptist Church for many years. She had a special love for all animals, but especially horses; she rode her favorite horses, "Boomer" and "Yankee," in parades and trail-rides even into her eighties. She loved spending time with her family, was energetic and feisty until the end, had a quick wit, but also a kind word for everyone. As wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Gilbow; parents; sisters, Evelyn Needham and Elizabeth Sellers; one son, Lonnie "Jackie" Gilbow; and granddaughter, Stephanie Gilbow. Billie is survived by her daughter, Ann Baker; sons, Barry Gilbow and Jerry Gilbow; brother, James McElhaney; grandchildren: Brett Baker, Shelly Harrod, Hannah Salmonson, Elizabeth Baker, Johnny Baker, Nathan Baker, Cody Gilbow, Justin Gilbow, Matthew Travis, Jesse Travis, Lonnie Gilbow, Brie Gilbow; special niece, Patty McElhaney and numerous great-grandchildren, relatives and friends. Memorial Services are set for 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015 at the Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3800 W. Walnut, Rogers. The family wishes to extend gratitude to the Willard Walker Hospice Home and Westwood Health and Rehab for the services and care they provided.