A much loved “Mamaw,” Pauline A. Billman, 89 of Osgood, passed away Thursday afternoon, February 11, 2016 at University Hospital in Cincinnati with her family by her side. She was born April 11, 1926 in Osgood, the daughter of the late Price, Sr. and Inez (Aikins) Thomas. She was married to Silas Meisberger, who preceded her in death on March 23, 1968. To this union were born four daughters and one son. On September 7, 1973, Pauline married Lawrence H. Billman, who survives and still lives at the home place.
Pauline worked as a bookkeeper for the Ripley County Highway Garage from the early 1970’s through the 1980’s and previously worked at the Osgood Quarry. She was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Church in Osgood and a very proud member of the Ripley County Democratic Party.
Family may be a simple word to say; however, to Pauline, family was her life. The sound of a slamming storm door and the sight of seeing a grandchild on the bank catch a fish were just two of her favorite joys. She looked forward to Saturdays for years because they were family days, and special meals were always prepared. She didn’t know if four or thirty people would show, but she didn’t care. There were plenty of chairs, and she could always prepare more food. She loved walking and talking along Laughery Creek, and she never turned down a game of Yahtzee. Pauline enjoyed rooting on the Cincinnati Reds and following the IU basketball. Maintaining the homestead was vital to her. Through her canning, gardening, and simply watching birds, the farmstead was her kingdom.
Pauline was never one to miss sending a birthday card to her children, grandchildren, and every great-grandchild. She instilled tremendous pride and values in her family, not just by words but by the way she lived her life.
Pauline is survived by daughters Gloria (Tom) Borgman of Osgood; Marcia (Jerry) Volz of Milan; Maria (Mike) Gribben of Brookville; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son in infancy, Edward Lee Meisberger, and one daughter Inez R. Meisberger. Also preceding her in death were her three brothers, Price Thomas, Jr., Robert Thomas, Bill Thomas, and her sister Elizabeth Thomas.
Private family services will be held. Memorials may be given to the Osgood Kiwanis. Neal’s Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. www.nealsfuneralhome.net