Roberta “Billy Gayle” Bemer passed away in Billings on January 10, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 67 years old.
Born August 10, 1953, Billy Gayle was born to Robert Murray and Patricia “Pat” Atkinson Murray. In her early years in Brockton, she moved with her family to Poplar at the age of 10. Early in her years she discovered her God given talent of music. She sang on the television out of Williston at a very tender age and was hooked. She grew up playing in many bands through the years, most notably the Blue Ribbon Band in the 1970’s, 80’s and even up until 2019 when her illness forced her to retire.
Billy married William “Babes” Prichard in 1971. To this union came her only son Bill Prichard. They later divorced.
Billy married Howard Bemer in 1998 and was happily married until his passing in January 2020. She led an exciting life raising her grandchildren, traveling to Las Vegas and Florida and even living in Nashville, TN for a few years.
Billy had various jobs in her life starting at and ending at Poplar Schools. She could always be counted on for music, snacks, and conversation at all times possible.
Billy had a tough couple of last years. Painfully agonizing, she never gave up or became sour or mean. She really was an inspiration to all that knew her. She will be sorely missed.
She is preceded in death by mother Pat Murray, father Robert Murray and sister Dallas Falcon.
She is survived by son Bill Prichard of Poplar, son Charles K. Headdress of Vernal, Utah who she raised as her own, sisters Patty and Kate Murray of Poplar, Barbara Jean Murray of Laurel, and brother Robert “Boy” Murray of Poplar, special friend Susan Reinlasoder Dodd of Lanigan, Saskatchewan, Canada, also a special lady Carrie Swanson of Billings who fought every day of the last year with her. All of her band buddies, Don Moran, Jessie Kirn, Bob McNally, Ira Darnell and Larry Burshia all of Poplar. Her grandchildren were her life. She leaves behind William R. Prichard (Keelia) of Poplar, her pride and joy and only granddaughter Ronni K. Prichard. And last but not least, her youngest grandson Aiden Lee Charles Prichard.
A special thanks to the Mayo Clinic, Billings Clinic, Aspen View Living Center and Dr. Kidd and Kyle who made Billy’s stay on earth longer and meaningful.