Josephine C. Bilyew
Born to Joseph and Jean Rabdau in Bonners Ferry, Idaho on August 11, 1930, died on February 5, 2017 at the age of 86. God has brought her home to be an angel watching over her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
One of 11 children, Josephine spent her childhood in La Grande, Oregon before moving to Tacoma, Washington. She graduated from St. Leo's high school and studied to be a registered nurse at St. Anthony's Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon, graduating in 1950.
Josephine worked at Madigan Army Hospital where she met and married Robert Bilyew on January 23, 1954. They settled in Hayward, California before moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana to start a family. In 1962, the family moved to Defiance, Ohio and have resided there ever since.
She spent over 30 years as a dedicated nurse at Defiance Hospital, retiring in 1995. She felt rewarded by helping others in need and instilled this in her children and grandchildren.
Josephine is predeceased by her sister, Joan, and brothers, Hugh, Joseph, Jerry and Johnny.
She is survived by her husband, Robert, of 63 years, children Robyn (Dennis) Horg, Holly (Mike) Fitzgerald, Joe (Joan) Bilyew, Jill McDonald, and Sue Bilyew all of whom will carry on her legacy of family, hard work, and independence. Grandchildren Kathleen (Jedediah) Keesbury, Lucas (Chrissy) Horg, Chris and Dylan Fitzgerald, Adam and Eric Bilyew, Jonelle (Ed) Diefenthaler, Jaimee (Matt) Frey, Jason (Hillary) Green, and Hunter McDonald and great-grandchildren Adrienne, Owen, and Gavin Frey, Nolan and Porter Diefenthaler, Leiv, Jesse, Jamison, and Pierce Keesbury, sisters, Judy Chaney, Jean Tacchini, Janet Englehart, Julie Metzger and brother, Joel, also survive her.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Visitation is on Friday, February 10, 9:00-11:00 A.M. at Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home. Services are 11:00 a.m. Friday in the funeral home with Deacon Jeff Mayer officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to CHP Inpatient Hospice Center 6817 St. Rt. 66 N. Defiance, Ohio. Condolences may be shared at www.lawsonroessner.com
Visitation
FEB
10.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)
Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home
1753 S. Clinton St.
Defiance, OH, 43512
Service
FEB
10.
11:00 AM (EST)
Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home
1753 S. Clinton St.
Defiance, OH, 43512
