Billie Jean Calonkey

Billie Jean Calonkey, 81, of Woodward, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Perry Chapel, 1721 Park Street, Perry. A private family burial will be held at Woodward Cemetery in Woodward. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa PBS. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Billie was born on May 23, 1945, in Perry, Iowa, to Earnie and Rosella (McClatchey) Sipe. She was raised on the family farm approximately five miles outside of Yale and graduated from Perry High School with the Class of 1963.

On October 5, 1963, Billie married the love of her life, Richard Calonkey, at Prairie Center Methodist Church. Together they were blessed with two children, Connie and Richard Jr. Billie dedicated more than 20 years of service to the Woodward Resource Center before retiring in 2007.

Billie found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved canning and tending to her garden, as well as crocheting, quilting, and baking. A wonderful cook with a well-known sweet tooth, Billie rarely passed up the chance to enjoy a cup of coffee and a few cookies. She also enjoyed bird watching and spending time working on crossword puzzles.

Affectionately known as the "Chicken Lady," Billie delighted in raising chickens and often let them roam free around the house, laughing as they chased after her. Above all, her family was the center of her world. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her extended family, with whom she shared an especially close bond. The love, laughter, and memories she created with those she loved most will forever be her lasting legacy.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Connie (Scott) Fitch of Woodward; her son, Richard Jr. (Gina) Calonkey of Woodward; her special friend, Clayton Overton of Woodward; her grandchildren, Chris (Jounis) Ingram of Kansas City, Matt (Ashlee) Ingram of Omaha, Sam (Sumi) Calonkey of Japan, Cole (Sophie) Calonkey of Eldora, and Leah Fitch of North Liberty; her great-grandchildren, Eloise and Olivia Ingram of Omaha, and Harvey Calonkey of Eldora; her sister, Donna (Ron) DeWitt of Woodward; her beloved cats, Mollie and Millie; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, Earnie and Rosella Sipe; her beloved husband, Richard Calonkey Sr.; and her siblings, Thomas Sipe, Karen Royer, and Michael Sipe.