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Violet R. "Scotty" Billy

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 20, 2018

Violet R. "Scotty" Billy, 93 yrs. young, of Liberty Borough, and most recently Senior Care Plaza, McKeesport, peacefully passed on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at Select Specialty Hospital, McKeesport. Born December 18, 1924 in Homestead, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret “Meg” (Warrender) Rodger and wife of the late Rodney H. “Rod” Billy for 59 ½ years.

Scotty was an executive secretary for many decades at several of Pittsburgh’s top corporations- U.S. Steel, PPG, West Penn Power, University of Pittsburgh-both before and after raising their children. She volunteered for many years with the Girl Scouts, McKeesport hospital gift shop/ snack bar, and actively supported/ attended her son’s many sports pursuits. Scotty was an avid league bowler, enjoyed going on many family picnics and vacations and was a voracious reader- reading 3 newspapers daily at the age of 92. She also loved mystery novels and doing word search puzzles. She was a longtime member of the former St. John’s Lutheran Church in McKeesport, a turn sister at the Turner’s Club, McKeesport, a member of AARP, Life Span Senior Center at Olympia S.C., and an over 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Scotty attended her first Pirate baseball game at PNC Park at the age of 90- and stayed the entire 12 inning night game! She was very much a people person gifted in making connections and having conversations with people from all walks of life. How she loved to talk! She also maintained many lifelong friendships which she cherished- including Marge Derry, Audrey Dougherty and Dolores Winter. Scotty was the first in her family from Scotland to be born in the United States- and received her “nickname” Scotty when she joined her Girl Scout troop at the age of 12- and it stuck for 81 years! She was a Scottish woman who mastered the art of ethnic cooking and baking- Italian, Slovak, Czech, Polish, Jewish, Chinese, Mexican- happily spending hours in the kitchen! And her homemade soups and pie crust- amazing! Could have opened a restaurant! Throughout all this, and much of her life, Scotty faced adversity, many health challenges and years of chronic pain- all of which she handled with incredible resilience and fortitude. Scotty was a very strong lady!

Scotty is survived by her children, Lynn Billy of Liberty Borough and Bart (Nancy) Billy of Bethel Park; grandson, Brandon Billy; nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Scotty was preceded in death by her siblings, David and William Rodger. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, 1-4 and 6-8 p.m.. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January, 25, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Rob Morrow and Pastor Jody Dausey will officiate. Burial will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park.

As a tribute in honor and memory of Scotty, please perform random acts of kindness throughout your lives, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be good and kind to one another- strive to say something nice.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com

Originally published January 20, 2018.

Other deaths:
"David Scott Hilpert" || "Margaret Dranko"