Willie Belle Dehlinger

Willie Belle (Billie) Dehlinger passed away at the Hendrick Hospice Care Center on Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at the age of 92. She was born on December 23, 1920, in Merkel, Texas, to Hobart and Eloise Kelley. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William Dehlinger, Jr., a son Jerry Paul Dehlinger, and a sister Ila Ruth Sullivan. Survivors include her daughter, Cecilia Barahona, and a daughter-in-law, Linda Dehlinger, both of Abilene. Other survivors are four grandchildren: Debbie Senter and husband Steve of Abilene; Bill Dehlinger and wife Kathryn of San Antonio; Lisa Sanders and husband Todd of Abilene; and Kristin Barahona of Abilene. There are seven surviving great-grandchildren: Steven Senter, Lindsey Senter, Katie Dehlinger, William Dehlinger, Michael Dehlinger, Brandon Sanders and Chase Sanders. Additional survivors include a brother, Trevlyn Kelley and wife Wanda of Abilene, and a sister Sarah White of San Angelo. First cousins are Joy Mergele, Dale Hall, D.C. Stubblefield, Carolyn Perry, Rita Jane Rasco, Helen Jane Pollard and Ronnie Stubblefield. She also had numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Dehlinger was a longtime, active member of Southern Hills Church of Christ. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Ruidosa, and also playing bridge. She found pleasure attending the sporting events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock on Saturday, September 7th, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, officiated by Phil Ware, minister of her church, and Danny Minton. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Lonnie Alexander, Michael Alexander, Jay Bailey, Geoff Broderick, Mickey Finley and Brad Galbraith. Family members wish to express their love and appreciation to IntegraCare Home Health and to the Hendrick Hospice Center for their compassionate care. If desired, memorials may be made to Cancer Services Network, PO Box 2026, Abilene, TX 79604; American Heart Association, PO Box 5616, Abilene, TX 79608; or a charity of the donor’s choice.