Billie Yoder Creelman, age 55, passed away on November 21st, 2012. She fought a two-year battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a rare and untreatable lung condition. Billie was born in Columbus,Ohio in 1957. As the daughter of a career military officer, William Yoder and her mother Yoshiko Yoder, she lived in numerous places around the country and world. As a result she became quick at making friends and became and remained close to her brothers Charlie and Dwight. She met her best friend, Sue Yamaguchi on Okinawa in middle school, subsequently graduating from Seaside High School in Monterey in 1975. She majored in Business Administration at San Jose State University. Upon completion she moved to Alaska in 1980 to be near her brother Charlie and his wife Cindy soon to be a loving aunt of their kids , Matthew and Rebecca with whom she gained the nickname, Bobo. There in 1982 she met her husband, Steve Creelman who was an externing medical student from the University of Washington. They met at a church youth group where he was instantly and permanently captivated by her "puppy eyes". They were married in Bremerton, Washington in 1984 on the hottest April 14th in history (92 degrees). This portended a 28 year romance that provided more blessings than some have in multiple lifetimes. After completing medical residency in San Bernardino, California they established residence in Seattle having 3 of their major blessings, Jessica (27), Jeremiah (25) and Bethany (21).

Throughout her life Billie has been a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She spent many hours as a teacher and library assistant, always being an encouragement to the kids and coworkers with her smile, zest for life and quick wit. For these talents she was awarded the Golden Acorn Award in 2001 as volunteer parent of the year.

This energy extended to Billie's social life, as she was always surrounded by friends that she loved and cared for dearly. As the children grew up, she used her business training to work at Steve's clinic. She went on several short term missions including Honduras, Jamaica and Guatemala, where she helped the less fortunate with everything from nursing to cooking to building houses. She was also a major inspiration for the foundation and support of the Puget Sound Christian Clinic.

She has been very active at North Seattle Alliance Church, always cooking for a party or youth group activity. She was also active at NSA partnering with Steve to teach Sunday School, mentoring young couples, serving in the choir, and nursery and hosting small groups regularly in their home.

She has had a passion for life, light-hearted spirit, and focus on others that has only intensified in the midst of her medical challenges, always seeking to serve and express interest in her family and friends, even in her time of need. She will be dearly missed by so many but is now at peace in the arms of her Loving Savior.

Billie was preceded in death by her father William and her mother, Yoshiko. She is survived by her husband; Steve, her three children; Jessica, Jeremiah and Bethany, and her granddaughter; Mackenzie. She is also survived by her two brothers; Dwight and Charlie and families.