Billie Gwen Thompson

Billie Gwen Thompson, 92, of Colony, Kansas, passed away on September 28, 2026, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family.

Billie was born January 21, 1934, near Elsmore, Kansas, to William C. and Lydia M. Nettleton. During her childhood, the Nettleton family moved to the farm near Colony that would become such an important part of Billie's life. The Nettleton family raised crops, dairy cattle, and other livestock, and it was there that Billie developed her lifelong love for animals, farming, and the land.

Billie attended a country school during her younger years, often riding her horse to and from school. She later attended Iola Middle School and Iola High School. Following her graduation, Billie married Alvin Knepp. Together they had two daughters, Diane, born in 1952, and Debi, born in 1955. Billie and Alvin later divorced, and Billie eventually married Don Thompson, with whom she shared many years of life.

The farm her parents established near Colony remained at the center of Billie's life. It was the same farm where she grew up and where she continued to reside throughout her later years. She took tremendous pride in the farm and had a special love for raising and caring for her cows and other animals. For Billie, the farm was much more than a place to live, it represented her childhood, her family, a lifetime of memories, and the values that shaped the person she became.

Billie was also very proud of her years working at the Allen County Clerk's Office. Her work there was an important part of her life, and she looked back on those years and the people she worked with fondly.

Billie had many interests and talents. She enjoyed sewing and cooking and loved flowers. She also found great pleasure in the simple beauty of nature around her home. She especially enjoyed feeding and watching the yellow finches and cardinals that visited her backyard.

Animals were never far from Billie's side. Her loyal dogs, Kelly, Katie, Bella, and Macy, were beloved companions, as were her cats. They brought her tremendous comfort, companionship, and joy. Her affection for animals was evident throughout her life, beginning with her childhood on the farm and continuing through her final years.

As much as Billie loved the farm, her animals, flowers, sewing, and cooking, the true loves of her life were her faith, her family, and her church family. Billie loved Colony Christian Church in Colony, Kansas, and her faith was a constant throughout her life. She treasured the friendships, fellowship, and sense of community she found there.

More than anything, Billie loved her family. Over the course of her 92 years, she experienced the tremendous joy of watching her family grow as well as the heartbreak of saying goodbye to several of those she loved most.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lydia Nettleton; her sister, Eugenia Arnold; her brother, Warren Nettleton; her husband, Don Thompson; her daughter, Debi Holderman; and her grandsons, Casey Cobbs and Brandon Hobbs.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane Ransom and her husband, Bud; grandchildren, Ryan Cobbs and Brandee Bratton and her husband, Joe; great-grandsons, Casey Cobbs and Shelby Cobbs; and nephew, Steve Nettleton and his wife, Jane. Billie is also survived by four nephews, a great-niece, a great-nephew, and a great-great-niece and great-great-nephew, along with extended family, friends, and a church family who meant so much to her.

Billie leaves behind the story of a life deeply rooted in the things she treasured most, faith, family, church, animals, and the family farm. From riding her horse to a country school as a young girl, to raising cattle on the same land where she grew up, to watching cardinals and yellow finches gather in her backyard, Billie found happiness in the people, animals, and simple pleasures that surrounded her.

Her 92 years were filled with family, hard work, faith, and an enduring connection to the farm she called home. Billie will be deeply missed, but the life she lived, the family she loved, and the memories she created will remain with those who knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held at The Venue, 1883 U.S. Highway 54, Iola, Kansas, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at Colony Community Church, 322 S. Garfield St., Colony, Kansas, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Colony Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Colony Community Church in memory of Billie.

Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.