Funeral services will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 10:30 AM (Mountain).
St. Paul's Catholic Church
Belle Fourche, South Dakota
of Buffalo, South Dakota, died on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at her home in Spearfish at the age of 71
Billie Jean Fortune was born on November 7, 1949 in Philip, SD to Howard and Irene Fortune of Quinn, SD. Billie was named after her father whose nickname was Bill.
Irene and the children moved into Philip for school from where Billie graduated with her dear friends in the Class of 1968.
Billie then enrolled at Black Hills State for a year and rarely missed a class at the Campus Pub. Following her college days, she worked at the Philip Nursing Home.
She married Donn Hett on May 9, 1975. The couple made their home on the Hett Ranch near Buffalo, SD. It was here that they raised their children, cattle, and sheep for 45 years.
With a strong determination to get things done, Billie was very involved in her community. She belonged to various organizations including EMT’s, Book Club, Investment Club, Quilt Guild, and was an active member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and Altar Society. Billie and Donn were delighted to chaperone several 4-H trips to the Denver Stock Show.
Curious by nature, she enjoyed learning and doing new things. She had many great adventures after discovering Babes with Bullets, a camp to empower and teach women hunting and shooting skills.
Billie enjoyed spending time and learning to quilt with friends. Her quilting ability resulted in many beautifully crafted quilts for her family.
Always ready for a good time when the work was done, Billie and Donn often took a mid-winter trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico before calving season began. They could be found on the dance floor many places including the German Tent. They enjoyed several events in the Hills including Kool Deadwood Nites, The Cowboy Christmas Ball, Cowboy Poetry gatherings, following the Lyle Berry Band, and being with their friends at Guadalajara’s and The Sunshine Saloon. Billie loved meeting new people in her travels and getting to know them and their story.
Her lively and fun-loving personality drew people to her wherever she went. Billie had a hearty laugh, quick wit and was full of good humor. She entertained everyone with her funny stories and anecdotes.
Her nine grandchildren were her deepest heartfelt passion. She was a spunky Grandma who loved spending time baking cookies, praying, and playing with her grandkids. She could make her presence known at their events with her signature “Fortune” cheer. They were the light of her life.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Donn of Buffalo; children, Jason Hett, and significant other Cassandra, of Brookings, Kristi (Tim) Peart of Amarillo, TX, Tyler (Marisa) Hett of Buffalo, and Janie (Dave Cromes) Hett of Spearfish; step-daughters, Holly Hett of Burnsville, MN and Jodi Noll of Castle Rock, CO; grandchildren, Mackenna, Macade, and Troi Peart, Camden, Keegan, Kelby, and Quade Hett, and Nathan and Reagan Cromes; sisters, Kay Williams of Philip, Judy (Dan) Harrington of Ridgefield, WA, Pam (C.K.) Dale of Howard, and Mary Lou (Pat) Guptill of Quinn; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Irene Fortune; sister, Janet Waara; and brother, Scott Fortune as an infant.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Belle Fourche with a rosary and vigil service starting at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Belle Fourche with Father Zane Pekron as celebrant.
Both services will be live-streamed and can be viewed from this obituary page.
A private family burial will be held at a later date at the Grand River Cemetery on the Hett Ranch.
VISITATION
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - 5-7 p.m.
St. Paul's Catholic Church
Belle Fourche, South Dakota
ROSARY AND VIGIL SERVICE
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - 7 p.m.
St. Paul's Catholic Church
Belle Fourche, South Dakota
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Thursday, November 19, 2020 - 10:30 a.m.
St. Paul’s Catholic Church - Belle Fourche, South Dakota
CELEBRANT
Father Zane Pekron
CON-CELEBRANT
Father Ed Vanorny
MUSIC
Marianne Frein and Chet Murray - Pianists
Sarah Carlson - Cantor
“Holy Is Your Name” - “How Great Thou Art”
“On Eagles Wings” - “Ave Maria”
“Song of Farewell” -“May The Choirs of Angels”
USHERS
Wayne Fortune - Roger Fortune
READERS
Josie Kutchta - Coven Kautzman
ALTAR SERVER
Dawson Kautzman
PALLBEARERS
Paul Williams - Ross Williams - Michael Rotzein
Molly Albright - Tate Guptill - William Morrison
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Philip High School Class of 1968
PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Grand River Cemetery on the Hett Family Ranch
Buffalo, South Dakota