Jeanette “Billie” Claire Bexell, 86, Minot, North Dakota, died Tuesday, October 30, 2007 in her home.

Billie was born on August 27, 1921 in Harvey, North Dakota.  Her parents were Harry Alfred Harris, Sr. and Edna Elenor Harris (Iwan).   She attended school in Harvey and graduated from Harvey High School on May 28, 1940.  She attended Bismarck Junior College and received a Nursing Degree in 1945.  She then was employed at the Harvey Hospital.

Billie met Donald John Bexell and they got married in December 1949 at Harvey, North Dakota.  They made their home in Velva, North Dakota.  They were members in the Velva Methodist Church.  In Velva they were blessed with four children, Scott, Jacqueline, Jon and Jayson.  Billie became a stay at home mom taking care of the four children.   In 1959 they moved to Minot, and soon after two more children were born, Jan and Trent.  While in Minot they became members of Vincent United Methodist Church.

After the kids got older, Billie worked as a Registered Nurse for Dr. Briggs, Dr. Kaljot and finally for Dr. Lee at the Minot Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic.  She retired in 1995.  Her husband Don passed away in 1986.   Billie was an avid bridge player and played for many years on numerous bridge clubs. 

Survivors: Children, Scott (Cindy) Bexell, Minot; Jacqueline (Jim) Faris, Bloomington, Indiana; Jon (Theresa) Bexell, Bloomington, Indiana; Jayson (Shelley) Bexell, Des Lacs, North Dakota; Jan (Todd) Gierke, Fargo, North Dakota; Trent (Kristi) Bexell, Avon, Indiana.  Grandchildren Stephanie Ward, Jocelyn Bexell, Nathan (Kara) Faris, Jamie (Matt) Haire, Jenna Faris, Brittany Faris, Janessa Faris, James Faris III, Erica Bexell, Anna Bexell, Allison Bexell, Kayla Gierke and Alyssa Gierke.  Brother, Harry (Bev) Harris Jr., Ottertail Lake, Minnesota.  Sister, Gladys Stickney, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Billie was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Don and brother Donovan Harris.

Memorial Service: Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot, North Dakota.
Visitation: At Billie’s request, there will be no reviewal, however family and friends are invited to sign the memorial register book Friday, November 2, 2007, from noon to 6 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers donations can be given to the American Cancer Society or Trinity Hospice, 1015 South Broadway, Suite 306, Minot, North Dakota 58701.

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