Billie Ann Martin
Joe Denoyer - October 23, 2018 3:05 am
Billie Ann Martin, 94, longtime resident of Liberal passed away on Friday October 19, 2018 at Wheatridge Park Care Center in Liberal, KS.
She was born on November 20, 1923 in Nowata, OK, the only child of parents Forest Ray White and Mary Louise (Allen) White.
She graduated from Lyons HS in Lyons, KS and Dodge City Business College.
She and her husband Earl Martin moved to Liberal in 1950. They built, owned and operated the Shangri-La a dinner and dance club; during the 1950’s and early 1960’s many nationally known country musicians played there such as Bob Wills, Hank Thompson, Wanda Jackson and Roy Clark. She then married Frank Helphenstine and they are started and ran a background music, jukebox and pinball machine business in southwest Kansas. She was a longtime companion and caregiver to Ola Heaton. Billie was baptized in the Lutheran Church.
Billie is survived by one son – Ray Martin and wife Lois; Two grandchildren – Gregory and Melissa Martin.
She was preceded in death by her first husband – Earl Francis Martin and second husband – Frank Helphenstine.
Viewing will be 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Miller Mortuary.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 am Thursday, October 25th at the Miller Mortuary Chapel; burial will follow at the Liberal City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Senior Citizens Center in care of Miller Mortuary PO Box 826 Liberal, KS 67905-0826.
Friends may send condolences to the family through Billie’s tribute web page at millermortuary.net