Billie Ruth Shank, age 80, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan, following an extended illness. She was born on September 4, 1945, in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of John A. and Billie R. Erdmann.

On September 7, 1963, Billie married Donald Allen Shank, and together they shared a loving and devoted marriage of nearly 60 years. Billie enjoyed traveling and took great pleasure in experiencing the natural beauty of the country. She found joy in knitting, crafting, and writing poems, but treasured most the friendships she built throughout her life. After living in White Pigeon for 55 years, Billie made her home in Grand Rapids beginning April 2021.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Michael A. Shank of Ada, Michigan; Andrew J. Shank of White Pigeon; and Carrie (Noah) Borkholder of White Pigeon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Madeline Marie Shank and Michael Joseph Shank, both of Forest Hills, Michigan. Additional survivors include her brother, John Erdmann Jr. of Clovis, New Mexico, sister Eleanor Cabbage of Erie, Colorado, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sally and Gill Stump of Petoskey, Michigan; brother-in-law Lawton Shank of Sturgis, Michigan; sister-in-law Regina (Jim) Shank of Elkhart, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald A. Shank; her parents; and her son, Stephen F. Shank.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Farrand Funeral Home, 300 N. Kalamazoo St., White Pigeon, MI. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, with interment to follow at White Pigeon Township Cemetery.