Billie Mickelson Shippy, age 65, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at HaysMed after a courageous 15-year battle with multiple cancer diagnoses.
She was born on June 2, 1960, in Hays, Kansas, to Everett and Donna (Ellis) Mickelson. Billie grew up in Ellis and graduated from Ellis High School in 1978 before attending college. Throughout her working years, Billie was employed primarily in retail sales. She was known as a caring, strong-willed, and giving person who was always willing to help others. A passionate sports fan, Billie cheered fiercely for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks. She also loved attending concerts, spending time with friends, and especially rescuing and caring for Boxers—an endeavor that became a true calling for her. Billie was also a proud member of the Ellis VFW Auxiliary.
She is survived by her mother, Donna Dreiling of Ellis; her siblings, Fred (Becky) Mickelson of WaKeeney, Greg (Becca) Mickelson of Ellis, Bob (Margie) Mickelson of Ellis, and Mickie (Marvin) Dechant of WaKeeney; her honorary daughters, Moriah Keller and Kelly Graves both of Colorado; stepdaughters, Rachel Carnes of Colorado and Victoria Carnes of Phoenix; special friends, Steve and Erin Malone of Lawrence, Kansas; eight nephews, three nieces, numerous great-nephews and great-nieces; and her beloved Boxers, Axel and JoJo.
She was preceded in death by her father, Everett Mickelson; her daughter, Alice Marie Mickelson; and her stepfather, Wilmer “Wimp” Dreiling.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, August 30, at Ellis United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Ellis.
Visitation will be Friday, August 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th Street in Ellis.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains or HOBO Boxer Rescue of Denver and may be made in care of Keithley Funeral Chapels. Please share memories on Billie’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com