Billie Guard

WENTZVILLE, Mo. -- Billie I. Guard, 87, of Wentzville, formerly of Cape Girardeau, passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday, April 11, 2020.

She was born May 18, 1932, in Charleston, Missouri, to Edward and Pearl Chappell.

Billie graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1950 and always delighted in reconnecting with classmates at reunions.

She was married to Paul H. Guard Jr. on June 12, 1952, and from that union she was blessed with three children. She was a dedicated wife for 58 years, and dedication is a word Billie lived by as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend.

She was a fantastic cook and loved to put together elaborate meals for her family. She had a knack for decorating and crafting, which led her into business with her daughter, Julie. The two of them opened Serendipity in downtown Cape Girardeau, while also traveling the Midwest for craft shows, often taking grandchildren along for quality time.

She was a woman of many talents, whether it was singing, playing cards or as a talented cross stitcher who stitched more than 50 pieces. She and her late husband loved to travel by motor home across the United States with family and friends. The fondest of memories were made at Lake Wappapello, Missouri, where Billie could be caught camping, boating and fishing. Eventually, she and her late husband moved to the lake full time from 2001 to 2010. On the lake, she taught many of her grandchildren to swim, tread water or be the perfect ski spotter for their grandpa.

She was known for her faith in God and spent many years as a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Cape Girardeau.

Billie is survived by her children, Paul H. (Shari) Guard III of Cape Girardeau, Perry C. (Carol) Guard of Cape Girardeau and Julie H. (Jeff) Briney of Wentzville; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild due in August.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul H. Guard Jr.; mother, Pearl Hoffmeister; stepfather, Alvin Hoffmeister; brother, Paul Crosnoe; and sister, Martha Smith.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will celebrate her life at a memorial service later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to American Diabetes Association.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.