Billie Talkington

Billie Talkington passed away on September 30. She was born in her family’s home in Riverside, October 21 1926 and died in a family home for seniors (Partners N Care) in Riverside. Her family moved to Taft, Texas from Riverside in a small truck, with all their belongings and family members piled high in the truck bed; traveling on dirt highways in 1932. Within months of arriving in Texas, Billie, 5 years old, lost her mother who was struck by lightening and killed on their front porch in Taft. She  lived with her father in Taft and two of her sisters alternately in Riverside until the death of her father in 1938; traveling back and forth between Texas and California solo by train. Billie said she never felt afraid, nor a lack of love while she was growing up. She was loved, and loved much, all ninety eight years of her life; by family and friends of plenty. She married Ralph Talkington, Oklahoma born, in 1946, who had just returned to Riverside from five years over seas  in World War II. A fun loving couple who enjoyed people, enjoyed life. There was always laughter and a bit of good commotion in our house. Billie was a working mother, in the medical field. She and Ralph raised four children together. She  made fantastic pies, cakes, and cookies and loved to put together gifts of her delicious goodies for friends and co-workers at Christmas. Christmas brunch at our house was always a huge, fun event. Holidays with mom were always special, always fun, she loved any reason to celebrate. Our home was the place to be, where many of our childhood friends found yummy food and comfort. Billie enjoyed sewing and made clothes for us, enjoyed knitting and made sweaters for us, enjoyed needlepoint and made many beautiful pictures and upholstered pillows, even a needlepoint loveseat cover. She enjoyed camping and traveling with family and friends and joined with travel groups in the Riverside area exploring much of the U.S., Hawaii and Canada; Japan, China and more. Mostly Billie enjoyed the company of others and was a good friend. She loved playing games and was always uplifting, never complaining. She had a smile for everyone. Billie is survived by her four children Mark (Lydia)Talkington, Claudia Chase, Kim (Ted)Adelman And Kevin (Dawn)Talkington; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Her first grandson, Jacob Chase, passed away in 1994 at 19 years old. Now that her spirit has been released, don’t be surprised if there is a shift in the tide of brotherhood. Her love is Big.

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