Billie Jane McDonald Selman, of Silver City, NM

Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 10 May 2017 10 May 2017

Billie Jane McDonald Selman, of Silver City, New Mexico passed into the arms of angels, Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the age of 87.

Billie was born in Boehler, Oklahoma in 1930, the second of five children, to the late James Thomas McDonald and Eula Lorene Halsell McDonald, an original Dawes enrollee of the Chickasaw Nation.

The family moved to Dona Ana County, New Mexico in 1935, settling in Hatch in 1937.

Billie graduated from Hatch Valley High School in 1947. She was assistant post mistress of the U.S. Post Office in Hatch from 1945 until 1956.

Billie married her best friend, the love of her life, Wesley, in 1950. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last August.

Wes' occupation in the U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration Service took them to California, where their two daughters were born. Billie's gracious and supportive nature facilitated her husband's career relocations to Florida, Ohio, Texas, and finally Douglas, Arizona where the family established roots in 1969.

Billie excelled in her role as wife and mother. Her work ethic and volunteerism provided her great satisfaction, and a standard for her daughters & others. Billie was a tax accountant in Douglas from 1970 until 2001. For many years, she also worked as bookkeeper and business manager for a local retail entrepreneur. Billie served as treasurer and on several committees at Sunnyside Baptist Church for three decades. In 2001, Billie and Wes moved to Silver City, when she retired at the age of 70.

Billie Jane was very proud of her Chickasaw Citizenship and heritage, a birthright she passed along to three generations.

Billie was a wonderful daughter & sister; an amazing and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother & aunt; a kind, compassionate, warm and generous friend. Billie had a great sense of humor and a twinkle in her eyes as she looked for the next opportunity to tease or joke.

Left to cherish her memory and mourn their loss: husband, Owen Wesley Selman; daughter Tracy & Alan Baker, three granddaughters and nine great-grandchildren; and daughter Tami & Harvey Bates. Billie is also survived by her sister Jimmie Sue Mahaney of Elfrida, AZ; brother Bobby H. (Gail) McDonald of Poulsbo, WA; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews across Hatch Valley and beyond.

Predeceasing Billie are brother Jack, sister Neva, grandson Joshua S. Baker, and other cherished family and friends.

Committal of her earthly remains took place May 5, 2017 at Ft Bayard National Cemetery. A memorial service to celebrate Billie's life is planned for a later date.

The family wishes to recognize and thank particular caregivers at Silver Health Care, Silver City Care Center, and in the community. The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to Amber Care Hospice for their care and support in her final days.

Final care gratefully entrusted to Terrazas Funeral Chapels. Billie will forever be deeply missed. In remembrance, consider a big hug for those you care about, and the sharing of a kind word or deed.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.

To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.

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