Billee Abarr, 91, of Grinnell, died at her home with her family by her side on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Interment will be at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to Tunnel to Towers and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Billee's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Billee was born the daughter of Otto Ward DeHart and Maie (Ziska) DeHart on October 28, 1932 in Grinnell, Iowa. She was raised in Grinnell where she forged an exceptional affection and bond with her siblings that would last throughout their lives. Billee's mother and maternal grandmother had a strong influence on her, resulting in an indefatigable work ethic, generosity and sense of humor. She attended Grinnell High School where she participated in band, cheerleading and Girls State. Following graduation, she attended nursing school in Burlington, Iowa.

Billee was united in marriage to David Clair Abarr on December 9, 1955 at the Grinnell United Methodist Church. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Nicole, Anjela, and David. They raised their family in Grinnell. Billee worked at St. Francis Hospital before becoming employed at Dr. DeMeulenaere's medical practice where she served as a care provider for 40 years. Patients looked forward to seeing her bright smile and enjoyed her warm personality. Her years at Dr. DeMeulenaere's office were happy times that she recalled with fondness. Following retirement, she enjoyed seeing and visiting with former patients.

Billee was an exceptional mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a fastidious housekeeper and particular in her ways. She cherished family events and gatherings. Her favorite holiday meal to prepare was Thanksgiving and her meatloaf, dressing and macaroni and cheese will be difficult to replicate. She also loved sitting around the table following meals, talking, laughing and playing board games. She made every occasion memorable through favors, tablescapes or small gifts or momentos that exhibited her love for family members. No birthday could be celebrated without a cake topped with her renowned fudge frosting. She never missed a family member's birthday. She enjoyed day trips and outings with her husband and deeply missed their times together when he was gone. More than things, her family will miss her love, spirit, and essence.

Billee is survived by two daughters, Nicole (Burl) Barnett of Cedar Rapids, IA and Anjela Abarr of Newton, IA; son, David T. Abarr of Grinnell; three grandchildren; Bridgett Schluter of Cedar Rapids, IA; Gage (Crystal) Barnett of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Delaney (Sander) Cissne of Newton, IA; and one great grandchild, Jax Schluter of Cedar Rapids, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David Abarr in 2022; and her siblings, Colleen Mullins, Craig DeHart, Keith DeHart, and Richard DeHart.