Last Updated on February 11, 2020 by Kroeger Funeral Home
Elizabeth A. Billman, age 76, Logansport, passed away at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at her residence.
Born May 21, 1943, in Logansport, she was the daughter of Ralph and Lois Zinn Lowe.
She married Lionel Billman on June 29, 1996. He preceded her in death March 3, 2000.
Elizabeth retired as principal at Thompson Elementary School. She also taught in the Southeastern School Corporation, beginning her teaching career at Washington Township School. She was a member of the Lewis Cass Alumni Association where she received the Distinguished Service Award. Liz served in the Southeastern School Corporation for thirty-eight years.
A graduate of IU-K, she completed a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1972, graduating with distinction. During summers, she earned a master’s degree in elementary education from IUPUI and a principal’s license. Liz received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the IU-K Alumni Association. At IU-K she also an adjunct member of the faculty.
Elizabeth was a very active member of the Logansport and Cass County Community. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, Theta Chapter, The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Indiana University Alumni Association and Cass County Area Retired Teachers Association.
Liz served as board chair of the YWCA during the YM/YW’s building project in the late 1960’s.
She was on the board of directors of the Cass County Community Foundation, where she served two terms totaling fifteen years. She was elected board chairperson in 2005 and 2006, one of only three people elected to two terms in that position. During her time on the board she served on every board committee including chair of the Lilly Scholarship Committee. Liz was instrumental in establishing the Foundation’s Lewis Cass Scholarship Fund, of which she was very proud. That Scholarship Fund now exceeds over three hundred thousand dollars in assets.
Elizabeth was a faithful and active member of First United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities, including director and current board chair of the church’s Little Children’s Ministry Committee, Staff-Parish Relations Committee and Nominations Committee.
She will forever be remembered as having “a clear mind, cheerful disposition, discreet mouth, keen judgement and humble spirit.”
Elizabeth is greatly missed and survived by a son, David Tocco, Camden; daughter, Debra (Gerald) Schulze, Winfield, Ill.; grandchildren, Cassandra (Daniel) Aldridge, Andrew (Carrie) Gilzean, Lucas Gilzean, Anamaria Schulze and Lydia Schulze; great-grandchildren, Katelynn Aldridge, Ashley Popp, Nautica Aldridge, Georgie Gilzean, Jane Gilzean and Kate Gilzean.
A brother, William Lowe, preceded her in death.
The Funeral Service and Celebration of Life honoring Elizabeth’s deep Christian faith and recognizing her service to the community will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020, at First United Methodist Church, 800 East Broadway. Rev. Beth Ann Cook will officiate.
Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Kroeger Funeral Home, 711 East Market Street, and at the church one hour prior to the Funeral.
Interment will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Flora.
In recognition that Elizabeth started Thompson Totes, Southeastern Buddy Bags, contributions may be made to Southeastern Buddy Bags, PO Box 447, Walton 46994 or Cass County Humane Society, 700 Water Street, Logansport 46947, or to any charity of the donor’s choice.
Family and friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com