Barbara L. "Babs" Bilyew

Barbara "Babs" L. Bilyew, 82, of Huntington passed away at 2:25 a.m. on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 at Miller's Merry Manor, where she had been for 3 days. She was a 1947 graduate of Huntington High School. She loved organizing and attending each of her Class Reunions for the past 64 years. Barbara and her former husband, Claude E. Bilyew, who preceded her in death, 1/26/1994, had 49 wonderful years of marriage together. They were co-owners of the Modern Shoe Store, downtown Huntington, for over 60 years. She enjoyed collecting and selling antiques and collectibles. She loved reading, especially Movie Stars autobiographies. She wrote daily journal-entries for the past 50 years and entertained many people she met with her astrology and horoscope knowledge. Her favorite game was Scrabble, which kept her mind very alert her entire life. Her family was by far the most important thing in her life and loved to have potluck dinners every Sunday evening. She was very proud to have the prettiest and longest fingernails in town and could not been seen without her earrings. She had spent the last 9 years of her life being her son's (Barry) 24/7 caregiver after he had suffered a brain injury from a State Highway mowing accident. Her most enjoyed companion was her Ragdoll kitty, named Emmy-Lou, who still survives. She was born on April 14, 1929 in Wapakoneta, Ohio, to Norman L. Brown and Virginia (Klipfel) Brown. She was united in marriage to Claude E. Bilyew on March 15, 1947. She was preceded in death by her brother, Norman A. Brown, this past November of 2010. Survivors include her brother, Thomas L. (Phyllis) Brown of Marblehead, Ohio. Three daughters, Claudette L. (Marvin) Bangs of Huntington, Betsy A. Bilyew of Huntington, and Carol J. (Larry) Mower of Rochester, In. Two sons, Barry E. Bilyew of Huntington and Donald D. (Joanne) Bilyew of Thorndale, Pa.; 7 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. Plus 4 very special nieces and nephews that were like her own children. Barbara's desire was to be cremated like her husband was back in 1994, which her family respected. The family is hosting a CELEBRATION OF LIFE "POT-LUCK-PARTY" on Saturday, May 7th, at Bailey-Love Mortuary. 35 West Park Drive, Huntington. Visiting hours will be from 2:00 to 4:00 and the CELEBRATION OF LIFE gathering will start promptly at 4:00 p.m. All friends and family are WELCOMED to attend. This will be a very casual gathering and would prefer you to be in jeans, shorts, or something comfortable. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HELPING PAWS (PET HAVEN & CAT ADOPTION CENTER) in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN 46750.

Barbara L. "Babs" Bilyew

April 14, 1929 - April 30, 2011