The world got a little less colorful on Saturday, July 27, 2024, when Billie Beth Tanton, 66, signed off on her final adventure after a spiritual battle with her health. She was born on September 8, 1957, in Liberty, Texas, to the late Robert L. and Garlon Beth Kersh Russell; Billie Beth was a firecracker from the get-go, brightening every room with her infectious energy.
A proud alumna of Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, class of ’76, Billie Beth was known for her no-nonsense attitude and a laugh that could light up a room. She made her mark as the tenacious owner of Country Discount Grocery in Hardin, where she had a knack for turning ordinary shopping trips into unforgettable encounters. She closed her store and slid over to Hardin Grocery to work alongside her sister Leslie, making the best homemade lunches and proving nothing could keep her down, even losing her eyesight.
Billie Beth was a devout member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, but her true joy was gossiping—she knew everything about everyone and wasn’t afraid to share it. A bingo enthusiast, Billie Beth played her cards close to her chest but always with a twinkle in her eye and a good-natured ribbing for her opponents. Her legacy includes a treasure trove of witty one-liners, practical jokes, and an unshakeable love for Winnie the Pooh—she had the unique talent of assigning her loved one’s characters from the beloved cartoon. This tradition was as quirky as it was endearing.
Billie Beth was preceded in death by her parents; maternal grandparents Rachel and Gordon Kersh; her beloved son William Michael Tanton; her brother Craig David Russell; her sister-in-law Stefanie Russell; and her cherished soulmate, Christopher Blanchard.
Left to celebrate her larger-than-life legacy are her daughter “Liz butt” Elizabeth Tullock and husband Thomas of Hardin; her “Hine-ass” sister Leslie Russell of Hardin; her brother Terry Russell of Yukon, Oklahoma; her grandchildren Mackenzie aka “Mack Truck” and Jaycob Tullock; her “partner in crime” nephew Landon Storey; her “ride or die” niece Shelby Storey and husband Euriel Torres; “the boys” and great-nephews Maverick and Tucker; her sweet great-nieces Amzie and Abby; her nephews Blake Russell and wife Laci and Austin Russell; her great-niece and nephew Emma and Stephen, and her beloved Italian Greyhound, Mr. Ash, will all carry forward her spirit of fun, tenacity, and love.
Billie Beth’s life was a testament to the power of laughter, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity. She lived by her own rules, loved fiercely, and always kept a mischievous glint in her eye. The world is quieter without her, but her stories, spirit, and legendary wit will echo in the hearts of all lucky to know her. Rest easy, Billie butt—you’ve left an indelible mark on us all, and your memory will be a cherished chapter in our lives.
Honoring the family by serving as pallbearers will be Landon Storey, Terry Russell, Blake Russell, Jaycob Tullock, Thomas Tullock, and Euriel Torres will honor the family by serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Austin Russell, Maverick Torres, Tucker Torres, and Stephen Russell.
Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Allison Funeral Service, 1101 N. Travis Street in Liberty. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. A graveside service and committal will immediately follow in Hardin Chapel Cemetery in Hardin.
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