Billie Evelyn Croswell Denny, age 81, of Murrietta California, passed away gently in the excellent care of the ICU of Inland Valley Hospital. She was wife of the late Richard Denney, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage.
Born in Vancouver, Washington on August 7, 1942 to Ephraim and Mildred Croswell, she was one of four daughters, that included Patricia, Yvonne and Adrionne “Midge”. She was raised on a farm, learned the value of hard work, could handle and shoot a rifle with the best of them. She enjoyed riding her two horses named Tony and Thunder. She said Tony was a good boy, but she was the only one that could ride Thunder. Her love of competing in sports began with her love of barrel racing which she excelled.
Billie and former spouse, Eugene Townsend, had a son, Troy Townsend, together, in 1963, who they adored. In 1967, Billie moved from Washington State to a new life in Los Angeles, California with her son, Troy. After working hard as a single Mom first as a waitress, and then as receptionist at a car dealership she began a career with Hughes Aircraft Company. She began as a secretary and progressed through the ranks over 25 years to become a Senior Contract Negotiator for Military Contracts, flying all over the world.
In 1969, Billie met Richard “Mack” Denney and they were married with Troy as the “Best Man” and Mack’s daughter, Kathey as the Maid of Honor and his daughter Melody as bridesmaid. They settled in Fountain Valley, California until their retirement, and then moved to the Colony in Murrieta, California into their brand-new home with a beautiful view of the 15th hole from their patio. From that year forward, Billie learned how to play golf and it became her main passion above all other sports and endeavors. Each year, from 2010 through 2016 she earned the title of Club Champion at the Colony, and reached the incredible distinction of having made five “hole in ones”. She continued to golf avidly into her 80’s and to be a part of the Ladies Golf Club, Jack and Jill, and Two Ball Tournaments. She never missed an opportunity to play a round of golf with her son, Troy, as many times a week as she could fit in while he was visiting. She loved to watch from her patio and encourage, say hi and joke with fellow players, and visiting golfers, young and old, offering free golf balls that had been hit into her garden.
Golf was her passion, but it was only surpassed by her love of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, wedding or any special life event with each family member and friend over the years. She loved sending thoughtful, handpicked cards and gifts to make each relative feel cared for and loved. It was her mission to stay up to date with her large, extended, blended family and to keep up with all their growth and achievements via cards, facebook, phone calls and facetime.
She is survived by her son, Troy Townsend and wife, Bridget Townsend, her stepdaughters, Kathey Ellis and husband, Bill Ellis, Melody Johnston, Michelle Miller, and her grandchildren and step grandchildren, Bailey Townsend Shelton, Delaney Townsend Peele, Chris Weber, Molly Weber, Bridgie Weber, Heather Shreves, the late Jeffrey Shreves, Nick Ellis, Lisa Benoit, Joshua Johnston, Kami Johnston, and Jerame Kortness, Kellie Vallianos, and the late Jill Fakoury, Kyle Kult, Janell Zeno. She was proud to have known 23 great grandchildren.
There will be no service, per her request. Billie touched our hearts in so many ways, and was deeply love by her family. As her son, Troy, it was my honor being her son, learning love, respect and lifelong lessons through the years. I was glad to be with her this month, to visit and be together to the final moments.
