Steven Diehlmann

Pure Cremation Wisconsin

Sally Billings

Sally Lou (Bortz) Billings brought her light to the world on July 21, 1957.  As the second child of parents Arthur and Lou Ann (Warnke) Bortz, she shared her vibrant character through conversation and her generous heart.
As a child, she enjoyed building relationships with friends and family in her hometown of Pardeeville, WI.  She played the clarinet in band, twirled the baton, acted in the Thespian Society, and competed on the curling team as Skip.  She graduated from Pardeeville High School in 1975.  She earned an associate degree in bookkeeping, worked as a bookkeeper and self-taught draftsman at Associated Engineers, ran the 24-Carrot Café and Catering at 1 South Park, and worked as a grocery specialist at Menards for nearly 19 years.
In 1985, she met Steven Billings while shooting pool, and they married on March 21, 1987.  Together, Sally and Steve loved visiting the Keleny cabin in Ashland County, bar-hopping up north, and making two adventurous attempts at snowmobiling. Sally often used the phrase, “One and done!” and even considered John Copenhaver an “adopted son,” with whom she tried never to miss the June Dairy Breakfast in Neillsville.  They cherished their time together and went on a memorable Alaskan cruise near their 37th wedding anniversary with Debbie and Gary, owners of Doubleday’s, and many others — a trip that felt like a honeymoon!
Her passion for baking and cooking was a special, powerful ingredient in bringing people together in the Cottage Grove community.  She had a knack for remembering birthdays and always made sure people received a cake or another delicious dessert to celebrate.  Sally was an independent spirit who enjoyed bowling and softball for The Antler’s Tavern, traveling to see Tom and Joyce in Florida, and vacationing in Mexico with Lou Ann and Aunt Jana Smith.  Her favorite pastimes included crocheting, jam-making, gardening, canning her famous pickles, and cheering for the Chicago Bears* in honor of cousin Mark.
Sally has an older sister, Susan (Bortz) Schultz, and younger brother, Timothy Bortz, as well as five in-laws and twelve nieces and nephews.  She also had numerous people in her life who felt like close family.  She spoke of good times, gave quick quips, made lasting memories, and surrounded herself with care.  Celebrating Christmas was especially important to Sally, with highlights including trimming trees, gathering at Smith’s Farm, and playing Dirty Clubs to end the night.
Sally passed away in the comfort of her home on August 28, 2025, at the age of 68.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Art and Lou Ann; paternal grandparents, Henry and Emma Bortz; maternal grandparents, Russel and Aline Warnke; and the real Homer Simpson.  She is survived by her beloved husband, Steve; sister Susan (Ken), their children Curtis (Erin), Angela (Kelly), Elizabeth, and Nicholas (Ashley), and their grandchildren William, Annmarie, Emily, Evangeline, Natalie, Linkin, Levi, Hayden, Chandler, and Ethan; brother Timothy (Donna), their children Stephanie and Leah (Patrick), and their grandchildren James and Jude; brother-in-law Scott (Mindy); brother-in-law Richard and his children, Alan and Jennifer; cousins, extended family, and friends.
Sally will be dearly missed.  However, we know she is welcomed by those who have gone before her.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at DOUBLEDAY'S, 4586 Baxter Road, Cottage Grove, WI.  Those attending should be prepared to shake dice, play cards, and have a good time!
Pure Cremation Wisconsin, www.purecremationwi.com is assisting the family.

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Sally Billings Obituary | Pure Cremation Wisconsin