Our beautiful mother, grandmother, counselor and friend passed away peacefully on the afternoon of May 6, 2023.
Billie was born in Salt lake City to Phillip A. Baker and Harriett Gertrude Baker and was the oldest of three daughters, the others being Jeril (deceased) and LuGene (deceased). She attended and graduated from South High and the University of Utah, affiliating with Kappa Kappa Gamma.
While attending the University she met and eventually married Ronald (Bill) Coulam on September 28, 1950.Their marriage lasted nearly 50 years, ending with Bill’s passing in 2000. They really enjoyed travelling together and had many great memories of time spent wintering in Palm Springs during their 40s and 50s.
Billie and Bill were the parents of Ronald P. (Sharon), Marc D. (Tracy), Leland H., and Carolyn C. Panos. She had a very full life with 4 kids in 5 years followed by a lengthy career in elementary teaching and with the Head Start program as a teacher and supervisor. Billie had a great love for children and always saw the potential in each child she interacted with.
As most people would tell you, Billie was always interested in others, making friends wherever she went, looking for the good in people and always on the lookout for a good card game.
Billie is survived by all 4 of her children, 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Billie’s family wishes to thank the staff and residents of The Ridge on Foothill for their friendship and love in caring for Billie for the last six and a half years.
Services will be held graveside at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT. 84108 on May 20, 2023 at 11:00 am.
Your Mom is one of the greats,
She was important in so many lives, growing up with such a special lady as part of my life was a pleasure!
Even though I hadn’t seen her in many years I remember her like it was yesterday.
Love to the whole family.
My Prayers and thoughts are with you all.
My memories of Billie are many. We began our marriages together and our lives were combined living in the same apartment building. Bill and my husband, Don were best friends. We shared our first condo in Palm Springs and a home in the Springs in Rancho Mirage, California. As I see her lovely picture, her smile is still the same one I know so well. I tried to get in touch with her at her assisted living quarters and she did not respond to my calls. I pray for all of you.
My memory of Billie will always be the welcoming smile whenever I saw her and the love instilled in me forever for Springer Spaniels. I love you and your kids.