Billie L. Gutknecht, 83, of Underwood, ND, died October 15th, 2013 at her son's home in Bismarck.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 A.M. Friday, October 18th at Augustana Lutheran Church in Underwood with Pastor Anna Haugen officiating. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 P.M. CDT Friday.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to time of service at the church.

Billie was born May 25, 1930 in Spokane, WA to Bill Murphy & Genevieve Swaim. She was raised and educated in Ione, WA. She later gave birth to a daughter, Earlene, while living in Washington. Billie married Gilbert Donald Gutknecht on Dec. 5, 1952 in Bismarck, ND. They made their home in Underwood and cared for several foster children before adopting two children of their own. Billie worked as a cook at the Underwood Public School for several years and raised her two boys, Ryan and Mark. She was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary and a member of Augustana Lutheran Church. Billie enjoyed gardening, crocheting, & knitting. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially on the 4th of July. She greatly enjoyed reading to her great grandchildren Isaac & Christian.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Karen) Gutknecht of Bismarck; one daughter, Earlene (John) Mykins of Washington state; her grandchildren, Dawn, Nancy, Brooke, & Shane, all of Washington state, Rachel (Brad) Dingus, Kevin Gutknecht, Jenna Gutknecht, all of Virginia, Tasha, Kristina (Matt) Krein, Alicia & Jonathan Gutknecht, all of Bismarck; and several great grandchildren.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband (Gilbert), and a son and daughter-in-law (Ryan & Julie Gutknecht).