Barbara Billings

Barbara Covington Mullin Carlisle Billings (May 27, 1948 - July 9, 2024)

Barbara was strength, kindness, hospitality, fun, and moxie personified.

Born in Pocatello, Idaho to Lola Call Pratt and Loren Marler, Barbara grew up as part of a large and unconventional family. She forged life-long close ties with her siblings Gayla Neilson, Chuck Sawyer, Linda Johnson, Sharon Sawyer, Gary Covington, and Carol Lee Charlesworth (deceased). Later in life, she discovered a bonus brother, Ed McLean.

Barbara met Bob Mullin, a Navy man stationed in Idaho. They fell in love, married, and embarked on new adventures in California with little more than their devotion to each other. Her ability to adapt and maintain a positive attitude in tough situations became a hallmark of her character. The couple moved around the country, living in Jacksonville, San Francisco (where their first son, Michael, was born), Boston, and New York (where their second son, Tom, was born) before returning to Idaho. Although Barbara and Bob eventually parted ways, she always cherished the memories of their adventures together.

Back in Idaho with her young children, Barbara worked tirelessly to support her family. She married and had two more children, Amber and Scott. After her second divorce, Barbara's sister Gayla played a crucial role in helping her regain her footing in Pocatello. As a single mother of four, including one with special needs, Barbara worked full-time at K-Mart and later JR Simplot while ensuring her children were well-cared for. She made sure each child knew they were special, a stark contrast to her own childhood experience of blending into a large family.

Barbara later met and married Ed Billings. They managed Club 48 in Salt Lake City and traveled frequently. Eventually, they moved to Boise to be closer to family, where Barbara was later widowed.

In Boise, Barbara continued to lead a meaningful life. She worked for JR Simplot until retirement while managing Amber's care and household. Known for her outgoing nature, Barbara was always making new friends and often took in women facing relationship difficulties, paying forward the kindness she had received during her own struggles.

Retirement brought new adventures for Barbara. She learned card dealing, drove for Uber and Door Dash, and stayed politically active. She was a superlative Thanksgiving host, keeping family traditions alive and welcoming all to her table. Barbara loved to travel, meet new people, and embraced technology. One of her fondest memories was a trip to London with her sister Gayla.

In her later years, Barbara found support in a group of women known as the Circle of Friends, who stood by her until the end. The family is deeply grateful for the kindness shown by these women and others who visited and provided support.

Barbara is survived by her children and their families:

- Michael Mullin (Angela) and their children Michelle Rosencrans (Tommy and great-grandchild Cyrus), Amanda Mullin (Austin), and Jeffrey Mullin

- Thomas Robert Mullin (Shantel) and child Mirabel Mullin

- Amber Dawn Carlisle

- Scott Carlisle

She was also beloved "Aunt B" to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and a friend to hundreds during her well-lived life.

A celebration of Barbara's life, in the theme of Thanksgiving, will be held on July 20, 2024. To honor Barbara's memory, please consider donating to women's shelters in your area. Embrace the beautiful spirit and inherent value of all people you meet. Register to vote -- and then actually vote.