Diana Marlene “Billie” Pettit, 73, passed away January 7, 2019, in Rainier, Washington, where she was born
February 24, 1945, to Harry A. and Emma Louise (Prince) Koeppen. A Rainier resident for 56 years, she
obtained her GED from Rainier High School after attending Yelm schools. Billie married Leroy A. Pettit on
June 30, 1962, in Tenino, Washington. She enjoyed being a wife, mother, homemaker, grandmother, and
great grandmother.
Billie was a hardworking woman with an outstanding work ethic. She began working on a chicken farm when
she was a teenager. She later worked on a mink farm, and at Foxfire Farm where she cleaned stalls and was QC/seamstress. She also worked at Rainier Feed Store through three changes in ownership.
Billie was involved with animal rescue, including horses, mules, cows, cats, dogs, chickens, pigeons, pigs and
rabbits. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, doing puzzles, reading, berry and fir cone picking, four wheeling, barrel
racing, gaming, and showing horses. She was a sports mom to all three kids through school and made costumes
for parades. She was also a handywoman who did woodworking, drywall, painting, and tile work.
Billie was a strong, opinionated woman who would do anything for her family. She would take on any battle. She
loved country music and enjoyed debating a good argument.
She was a member of the Rainier Sportsmen’s Club, Rainier Booster Club, Thurston County Election Board, and Rainbow. She also was a girls’ softball coach, 4-H leader, Rainier M/C concession stand coordinator, school
volunteer, Lions volunteer, and singles and doubles bowling leagues.
Billie is survived by her son, Leroy A. “J.R.” Pettit of Rainer; daughters, Lisa A. Pettit of Bucoda, and Darcy A.
(Ross) Hansen of Tenino; grandchildren, Damian L. Green of Olympia, Washington, Katy Pettit of Chehalis,
Washington, and Taylor Hansen of Tenino; great-grandchildren, Ben and Wyatt Pettit; brother, Bud Koeppen,
and wife, Sandy, of Mesa, Arizona. She is predeceased by her husband, Leroy Pettit (December 2, 2018); and
parents.
A celebration of life for both Billie and Leroy is being planned for a later date. Memorial donations may be made
