Jan. 27, 1924 - Mar. 27, 2015.

Frieda “Babe” Leslie Rehfeldt Gillis was born on Jan. 27, 1924, to Walter Rehfeldt and Alma Olga Rehfeld in Sheridan, Wyo. She had one sister, Sarah, and three half brothers, John Price, Floyd Price and Arthur Fleming. She lived in Sheridan until 1942 when the family moved to Vancouver and Brush Prairie, Wash.

She worked in a cannery in Vancouver and then did office work at the Kaiser Shipyards during World War II.

Frieda married the love of her life, Jay “B” Gillis, March 19, 1945, in Brush Prairie and moved back to Sheridan. After Jay got out of the Marines in July 1945, they lived in a sheep wagon on a sheep and wheat ranch near Wyarno, Wyo. In 1947, they moved to Billings. They were blessed with four children: two girls, Linda and June, and two boys, Steven and Martin.

Frieda is preceded in death by her sister Sarah (1927), husband Jay (1980), daughter Linda (1999), son Steven (2001), and brother Arthur (2007).

Frieda is survived by brothers John and Floyd (Maria); daughter June; son Martin (Amy); three grandchildren, Jennifer Gillis, Jeremy Gillis (Janine) and Leslie Olson; one step-granddaughter, Autumn Harmon; six great-grandchildren, Cody and Gage Olson, and Anna, Zachary, Jay and Katrina Gillis; two step-great-granddaughters, Destyni and Angel Harmon; and many nieces and nephews.

Babe’s greatest joy in life was her family and friends! She spent her years in Billings being a wonderful homemaker, mother and grandmother to her family and everyone they brought home. She joined friends to play cards each week into her early 70s. Before Jay passed away, they spent many weekends traveling to Sheridan to visit and play cards with their brother and sisters-in-law. She loved playing games with her grandchildren, reading books, cooking, baking and gardening. Every year she would say they weren’t going to plant a garden and every year they did! She was an amazing lady who saw the good in everything and everyone and made you want to be a better person. She leaves a void that can never be filled. We love and miss you very, very much.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in her memory. Babe’s selfless nature gave to many, many charities over the years because someone she knew “might need their help someday.” Giving back and taking nothing was her way of life.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Smith Downtown Chapel, 925 S. 27th St. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday and prior to services on Friday.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting Smithfuneralchapels.com.

Billings Gazette - Mar. 30, 2015.