SOUTH BEND - Billie A. Edgerton, 87, beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother, died in Lakeland, FL, on Saturday, December 9, 2006. Born in LaPorte, IN, on January 24, 1919, she lived most of her life in South Bend before moving to Florida in 1992. Her husband of 64 years, Frank Edgerton, preceded her in death on June 7, 2005.

Mrs. Edgerton was a homemaker, a renowned porcelain artist and teacher, a golfer, and a talented pianist. She was an active member and elder of First Christian Church while living in South Bend, and then volunteering as a member at First Christian Church in Haines City when they moved to Florida. At Carpenter's Home Estates in Lakeland, FL, where they spent their later years, she was active as liturgist and organist for their worship services. Together with Frank, Billie enjoyed traveling the world over during their wonderfully long marriage. They were devoted to each other.

Mrs. Edgerton is survived by her daughter, Penny Shepard, South Bend, IN; sons, Thomas (Carol) Edgerton, Lakeville, IN, and Robert (Margie) Edgerton, Osceola, IN; grandchildren, Jayson (Becky) Shepard, South Bend, Thomas (Sonya) Shepard, Nashville, TN, Tom (Crystal) Edgerton Jr., North Liberty, IN, Jennifer (Dennis) Murphy, South Bend, Sarah (Andrue) Carr, W. Tisbury, MA, Elizabeth (Jack) Dudelston, Mishawaka, IN, and Rachel Edgerton, Osceola, IN; and 18 grandchildren. She is also survived by her half brother, Elmer Ziemke, Bakersfield, CA; her half sister-in-law, Mary Lou Ziemke, Benton Harbor, MI; sisters-in-law, Duana Mann of LaPorte, IN, and Wanda Dibble, Port Saint Lucie, FL; and countless nieces, nephews and good friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 13, 2007, in First Christian Church, 1101 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend. You may visit with the family and share memories of Billie one hour before the service. Cremation has taken place and interment will be at First Christian Church in Haines City, FL. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, South Bend, IN. Arrangements were handled by Marsicano Funeral Home, Tampa, FL.