Bilka, Billie Catherine, Age: 74, Holmdel

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Billie Catherine Bilka, 74, of Holmdel, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 17 at Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel. She was born Billie Catherine Hovis on December 20, 1942 in Nashville, Tennessee, and was raised in Iselin. On October 26, 1963, Billie and her husband, Richard, were married and began their life together in Hazlet, where they raised their family. In 1985, they settled in Holmdel.

For many years, Billie worked in the TJ Max retail store located in Holmdel; she was currently retired. Some of Billie’s favorite pastimes were quilting, gardening, planting beautiful flowers in the spring and summer time and cooking for her family and friends. She was known for her “Drive by drop offs,” as she loved to bring her home cooked foods to the homes of the people she loved. Billie especially enjoyed visiting Atlantic City.

She was predeceased by her parents, William and Sadie (Saunders) Hovis; and her loving son, Richard J. Bilka Jr. Billie is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Richard J. Bilka; her loving daughters, Cristine Anderson and her husband, Frank, of Hazlet, Sandra Bilka of Hazlet and Susan Gardner and her husband, John, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is also survived by her dear sibings, Andrea Campbell and her husband Keith, Betty Davis, Thomas Hovis and his wife Ann, and William Hovis and his wife Patricia; along with her cherished grandchildren, James Bilka, David DeMarco, Sarah DeMarco, John Gardner Jr., Stephanie Gardner, Nicholas Gardner, Richard J. Bilka III and Shawn Bilka.

Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Hazlet, was in charge of arrangements. For information or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.shorepointfh.com.