Billie M. Andres

Billie M. Andres, 89, of Schoolcraft passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, MI.  To all who knew her, she was outgoing and loved to visit with anyone who had the time.   She considered everyone to be her friend.  

Billie was born on July 15, 1934 to Howard and Lillian (Marion) Terry in Courtland, AL. at the height of the depression.  She was joined a few years later by her younger sister, Doris who she adored.  Being raised in a loving family, mixed with those hard times and the adoration for her sister, made it obvious that her calling in life was for her to be the Cornerstone and the Heart of her family.  She truly excelled in that role.

Marrying and becoming a mother at an early age, she experienced both joy and tragedy when her first son Terry Lee Landtroop died just one day after his birth.  Sadly, that prepared her for the loss decades later, of two other sons, Gerald (Jerry) Andres Jr. and Rock Andres, which she endured with faith, grace, and strength.  

Billie married Gerald (Jerry) Andres Sr. on June 20, 1960 and they created a large family together.   First and foremost, Billie was a mother who, as children were added to their family she made sure that everyone knew that each of them were “her kids”.  

She was a member of the Pathfinder’s Church of Portage and she truly loved her “church family”, and Pastor Don and Pastor Ron.  She always felt special there and mentioned it to friends and family often.

She is survived by her Sister and Brother in law: Doris and Tom Bell,  Children; Daughters: Gloria Kiel of Schoolcraft, and Teresa (Stan) Faughn of Mendon, Sons:  Jeff (Gen) Landtroop of Vicksburg, Rick Landtroop of Kalamazoo, Sam (Cheryl) Andres of Schoolcraft, 10 Grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren, a very special caregiver and niece Janet Scott, and several other nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held On Sunday May 5, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Avink, McCowan, and Secord Funeral Home at 409 S Main St, Vicksburg, MI 49097.  An additional visitation hour will begin at 9:00 am Monday May 6, 2024 prior to funeral services at 10:00 am which will be held at Pathfinders Church 8740 S Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002, followed by burial at the Schoolcraft Cemetery.  Due to the road construction in Schoolcraft, the graveside services will be for family only.

The family does invite everyone to join them for a luncheon beginning at 12:00 Noon at the Schoolcraft | Portage Eagles 11611 Shaver Rd, Schoolcraft.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, or to a charity of your choosing.