Billee Ivy's Obituary
Billee Ivy, age 104, passed from this life and entered Heaven’s gates on January 6, 2025, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Born on April 27, 1921, in Vian, Oklahoma, she grew up in a lively household with three brothers and one sister, an upbringing that helped shape her resilience, humor, and unmistakable spark.
A proud graduate of Vian High School, Billee pursued her passion for beauty and creativity early on. She attended cosmetology school in Muskogee, Oklahoma completing nine months of training and eagerly waiting to turn eighteen so she could take the State Board exam and earn her license. Her love for the craft led her to Tahlequah, where she completed a Merle Norman Cosmetic course and through dedication and talent, became a certified make‑up artist.
Billee’s life was one of movement, curiosity, and adventure. She lived and traveled across the country—Oklahoma, Texas, California, Louisiana, New York—before ultimately returning home to Oklahoma. Along the way, she built a career as varied and vibrant as she was: make‑up artist, bank vice‑president, public speaker for the Boston Club, mentor to OSU students in public speaking, and an enthusiastic member of the Tulsa Bridge Club, Toast Mistress Club, and the Red Hat Society’s “Chatty Chicks” chapter.
She married Frank Joe Wagester Jr., and together they welcomed three sons: Frank Joe III “Trae,” Daniel “Danny Bill,” and Kenneth “Kenny.” Later, she married Neil Ivy, with whom she shared the joy of square dancing and companionship.
Billee had a deep love for wit and laughter. She admired clever people and delighted in making others smile. Her sons and grandsons were the treasures of her heart, and she loved them beyond measure. She also cherished her dear friends—Fran Thompson, Nita Sterling, and Jeanee Meeks.
On December 20, 1998, Billee joined Parkview Baptist Church, where she became the Sunday School class prayer leader. Her prayers were known for their eloquence, sincerity, and the unmistakable grace with which she delivered them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her beloved sons, and one grandson. She leaves behind grandsons, great‑grandchildren, and a wide circle of precious friends and family who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
Billee Ivy lived more than a century, but it was the fullness—not the length—of her life that defined her. Her humor, her strength, her elegance, and her unwavering love for those around her will continue to shine brightly in the lives she touched.
A celebration of Billee's life will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 11am at Floral Haven Funeral Home's Rose Chapel in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Following the service we will lay Billee to rest at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens at the Dogwood Mausoleum.
Floral Haven Funeral Home will be livestreaming the service for those that are not able to attend in person. Please utilize the link below to attend virtually. The link will be live 10 minutes prior to the start of the service. If you are experiencing any issues please contract Floral Haven Funeral Home and we will try to assist you.
https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/billee-ivy
What’s your fondest memory of Billee?
What’s a lesson you learned from Billee?
Share a story where Billee's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Billee you’ll never forget.
How did Billee make you smile?