Billye Kathryn Deck

Billye Kathryn Lockhart-Deck, age 88, of Trenton, NE passed away on September 28, 2023 at El Dorado Manor in Trenton.

Billye was born on the 1st day of Spring, March 21, 1935 to Verna (Gallentine) and Edgar Lockhart in Norcatur, KS. As a young woman, Billye enjoyed horses and playing the piano, starting a lifelong love of playing music. Billye lost the ability to hear in 1951 following an illness. In 1952, Billye graduated from high school in Lebanon, NE

The union in 1952 to her high school sweetheart, Duane Purcell, produced four children: Debra, Michael, Teresa and Sandra. Billye was so adept at lip reading that she often worked as a waitress in her lifetime.

In 1968, Billye and Ralph Goreham Sr. were wed in McCook, NE. They raised Billye’s children together between Nebraska and New Mexico. “Billye Jo”, as many called her, was always up for a game of crazy cards, Cornhusker football or her beloved Connie Mack World Series Baseball from the back porch swing.

In 1989, Billye married the love of her life, Delbert D. Deck in which she gained three sons: Gary, Marty and John. Billye and Delbert made their home first in Aztec and then in Farmington, New Mexico for many decades, sharing a mutual love and respect of the desert, four corners and native culture. You could often find Delbert dancing Billye through the house or Billye checking the contents of a rock hunting expedition Delbert had returned from.

Many children passed through the doors of 1200 North Carlton in the three decades they ran a daycare, many 2nd generation and a couple 3rd generation. Their love of children was so apparent. Delbert took care of his sweetheart for many years after she showed signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s. He did so until his passing in March 2020. He loved his girl even long after she didn’t know him. Billye returned to Nebraska in 2020.

Billye LOVED her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and many friends, meaning something different to each one of us who held her heart.

Billye was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Delbert D. Deck; brothers, Elwood, Victor and Donald; sisters, Beth Ann, Betty Hare and Betty During; daughter, Retired Master Sergeant Debra Stretch; and grandson, Jason Frye SFC, United States Army.

Those left to celebrate her life include her brother, Harwood “Hoppy” Lockhart of Norton, KS; children, Mike (Jackie) Purcell of Myrtle Beach, SC, Teresa (David) Hartman of Omaha, NE, Sandra (Robert) Scott, Sr. of Trenton, NE, Gary Deck of Farmington, NM, Marty Deck and John Deck, both of Yakima, WA; grandchildren, Jennifer and Jessica Frye, Christy (Shane) Stevens, Teresa (Don) Flesner, Jason (Elizabeth) Hartman, Kyle (Katelyn) Hartman, Nicholas (Anabel) Gathings, Austin (Nicole) Scott, Robert Scott, Jr. and Trina Plummer; thirty one great grandchildren and a host of friends.

On September 28, 2023, after seven decades of total silence, Billye Jo heard the angels sing!