March 30, 1938-Aug. 10, 2024
It is with tender hearts that we announce the passing of Billie Deanna Bleak Frei. Billie was born March 30, 1938, in St. George, Utah to Willard (Bill) Bleak and Evelyn Terry Bleak. She passed away at her home with family by her side on Aug. 10, 2024, at the age of 86.
Billie enjoyed an idyllic childhood roaming the small-town streets of St. George with her older brother Terry Bleak and her best sidekick Wally Mathis.
She excelled in school and was a member of the fantastic Dixie class of 1956. She played the violin in the Dixie College Orchestra beginning at age 11. She had a beautiful singing voice, won awards for reciting poetry and even competed in a state poetry contest. The family always had horses and Billie became a skilled horseman, competing as a contestant for Dixie Roundup Queen.
When the handsome Kelton Frei from Santa Clara returned home from the Korean Conflict, he was looking for someone to date and asked his cousin who the cutest girl in town was. According to that cousin, it was Billie Bleak. Kelton acted on that tip, and they began dating and were later married on July 7, 1956.
Billie worked at Moore Business Forms where she made many lifelong friends. When Moore closed, she worked in the financial aid department of Dixie State College and later in the post office at Hurst Ace Hardware. In later years, Billie enjoyed volunteering at the Washington County Senior Center during the lunch hour.
Billie was an angel of service to all who needed a friend or a helping hand. She adored her grandchildren, who have fond memories of making yeast root beer, going on hikes on the Red Hill, and doing Home Depot projects with her. She was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.
Billie was preceded in death by her husband Kelton Frei, parents Bill and Evelyn Bleak and brother Terry Bleak.
She is survived by her three children: Marlyn (George) Graff, Santa Clara, Utah; Wesley (Anreta) Frei, Ivins, Utah; and JK (Cindy) Frei, Santa Clara, Utah; her 10 grandchildren Cameron, Andrea, Cason, Alisha, Karson, Kaleb, Garrett, Kassidy, Amber and Zach; and 17 great-grandchildren.
The family extends their thanks to Billie’s dear friend Ray Rosenthal who has been a devoted friend and helper for the past 20 years.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 1 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff St., St George, Utah. Friends may call Saturday, Aug. 17, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary. Interment will take place in the Santa Clara City Cemetery following services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Billie’s name.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to click here to sign Billie’s online guest book.