Billie I. Guard

Billie I. Guard, 87, of Wentzville, MO, formerly of Cape Girardeau, MO passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 11, 2020. She was born on May 18, 1932 in Charleston, MO to Edward and Pearl Chappell. Billie graduated from Cape Central High School in 1950 and always delighted in reconnecting with classmates at reunions. She was married to Paul H. Guard Jr. on June 12, 1952 and from that union she was blessed with three children. She was a dedicated wife for 58 years and dedication is a word that Billie lived by as a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She was a fantastic cook and loved to put together elaborate meals for her family. She had a knack for decorating and crafting which led her into business with her daughter Julie. The two of them opened Serendipity in downtown Cape Girardeau while also traveling the Midwest for craft shows, often taking grandchildren along for quality time.She was a woman of many talents, whether it was singing, playing cards or as a talented cross stitcher who stitched over 50 pieces. She and her late husband loved to travel by motorhome across the United States with family and friends. The fondest of memories were made at Lake Wappapello where Billie could be caught camping, boating and fishing. Eventually, she and her late husband moved to the lake full time from 2001-2010. On the lake, she taught many of her grandchildren to swim, tread water or be the perfect ski spotter for their grandpa. She was known for her faith in God and spent many years as a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Cape Girardeau. She is survived by her children Paul H. (Shari) Guard, III of Cape Girardeau, Perry C. (Carol) Guard of Cape Girardeau, Julie H. (Jeff) Briney of Wentzville, MO; 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild due in August. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul H. Guard Jr., her mother Pearl Hoffmeister, stepfather Alvin Hoffmeister, her brother Paul Crosnoe, and her sister Martha Smith. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the family will celebrate her life at a memorial service later this year. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a memorial donation to the American Diabetes Association.

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Billie I. Guard

May 18, 1932 - April 11, 2020