Linda Katherine Bilyeu, 67, of Sheridan passed away at her home on Thursday, July 13, 2017, after a
19-year battle with breast cancer, surrounded by her loving family.
Linda was born on November 22, 1949, to parents John and Amelia (Martinek) Cichonski in Sheridan, WY. Her childhood was marked with many fond memories and mischievous endeavors taking place at Aunt Rose’s home with her cousins Judy, Johnny, Sandra, Kathy and Teresa. She attended Holy Name Catholic School and graduated from Sheridan High School.
She married Dan Bilyeu on October 6, 1967, and together they raised two children, Stacy and Chris. These years were filled with times spent at baseball games and weekends boating at Tongue River Reservoir. Her kids felt very fortunate to have such a caring, supportive and selfless mother who remained close to them in their formative and adult lives.
Linda enjoyed spending time with her family, cousins and many close friends. She looked forward to morning walks and coffee with special friends Lori, Holly and Pam. Linda often walked the red carpet with Lenora, Joy, Kathy, and Myrna catching the local productions. She stayed in touch and enjoyed her yearly get-togethers with her Holy Name “sisters”.
Linda was an active member of the Holy Name Catholic Church, the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and local cancer support group. Much of her career life was spent at her beloved Highland Park Elementary, 1977-2015. Here she was able to touch the lives of so many and received so many blessings from that community. In 2013, she was recognized as Sheridan County School District 2 staff member of the year. Time with her grandchildren accounted for some of her most cherished memories including sporting events, playing board games for hours on end or whatever adventure they wished to take her on.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Dan Bilyeu of Sheridan, WY, her brother Joey (Becky) Cichonski and their children Mary and Rebecca of Sheridan, WY, her children Stacy Abernatha and Chris (Brandi) Bilyeu and grandchildren Austin, Corbin and Kaylee Abernatha and Sydni and Ella Bilyeu, all of Sheridan.
A Visitation will be at 6:00 PM and Rosary at 7:00 PM on Friday, July 21, 2017, at Kane Funeral Home with Father Glenn Whewell officiating. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Glenn Whewell officiating. A reception will be held in the Parish Hall following the service.
Memorials to honor Linda can be made to Sheridan American Legion Baseball Inc., PO Box 12, Sheridan, WY 82801 or to the Welch Cancer Center, Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation, PO Box 391, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
