Obituary of Billie Ruth Strong

October 13, 2023, Billie Ruth Strong, 86, passed away at home in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born on January 8, 1937 to George and Gladys Woods in Okemah, Oklahoma. Her family moved to California when Billie was two years old and settled in Ventura.

Billie graduated from Ventura High School in 1954 and went on to community college where she developed what would be a lifelong interest in theater and acting.

After college, Billie moved to Los Angeles where she worked for more than 40 years as an Executive Assistant to executives at several multinational corporations including Eldon Industries, Rubbermaid and Computer Sciences Corporation. Billie was on the Board of Directors of Executive Women International (EWI) traveling globally to support EWI.

Billie married Jack Strong (deceased) in January, 1969 in Las Vega, Nevada. Billie and Jack went on to have one child, a daughter, Jacqueline Ruth Strong. Billie and Jack separated in 1974 with Billie and Jacqueline moving to El Segundo, California. In 2002, Billie retired and moved to Phoenix to be close to her daughter and son-in-law (Clint Blaser) and her six grandchildren.

Billie is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Blaser (Todd Garner) and six grandchildren, Paige Elizabeth Blaser (Alex), Alexandra Ruth Askew (Kyle), Travis Jack-Allen Blaser, Lily Catherine Blaser, Joseph Walker Blaser, Michael Albert Blaser and her stepdaughter, Patricia Ann O’Connor of Port Huron, Michigan.

Billie is also survived by her sister, Laverta Jean Stanton, and many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as several life long friends in California and Arizona.

Billie,was preceded in death by her father, George James Woods, mother, Gladys Winona Walker, her younger sisters Bettie Jo Woods  and Gloria Claudine Woods Williams, and her son-in-law, Clint K. Blaser.

At Billie’s request, there will be no formal service with her life being celebrated by family and friends. Arrangements are being managed by Meldrum Mortuary, Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.