On September 12, 2026, our family said goodbye to a very special wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend, Mary Kay Billings.

Mary Kay was born on August 8, 1953. Her early years were spent in Guam, where she lived while her father served in the military. Eventually, she returned home to Bandera, Texas, a place that would always hold a special piece of her heart. She worked alongside her parents at Twin Elm Guest Ranch and attended St. Stanislaus Catholic Church School.

But more than anything, Mary Kay was a family woman.

For 54 years, she shared her life with her husband, Howard Billings. Their life together was built on love, family, and countless memories going to open rodeos hunting and fishing at the coast. Together they raised their son, Ty, and later welcomed their daughter-in-law, Deanna, and two granddaughters who became the absolute joy of her life, Cealy and Henley.

Mary Kay loved horses and loved to run barrels. But when Ty came along, her own time in the arena became less important but being there for her family took priority. If there was a rodeo, chances were Mary Kay was there—being the secretary, cheering, visiting, and supporting the people she loved. Most likely you have heard the story about a report card that helped a young man make it to the high school finals. True love for the kids and the sport!!

And when Cealy and Henley began their own rodeo journeys, Mary Kay found a whole new reason to love those weekends.

She was their biggest fan and loudest cheerleader. She took pride in watching her girls ride, grow, work hard, and chase their dreams. She celebrated their successes and stood beside them through the challenges. To Cealy and Henley, Nana wasn’t just someone sitting in the stands—she was part of their rodeo story.

Those memories will forever be treasured: the long weekends, the rodeo arenas, the horses, the laughter, the excitement, and Nana cheering them on.

Her absence will leave a space that can never truly be filled. But her love will continue through the family she built, the traditions she helped create, and especially through the two little girls she loved so dearly.

Every time a horse enters an arena, every time the girls back into the box, and every time they hear the cheers from the stands, a piece of Nana will be right there with them.

She may no longer be sitting in the stands, but her family will always know she has the best seat in the house.

Rest easy, Mary Kay. Your family will carry your love with them always. And your girls will keep riding for you. ❤️

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Bandera Funeral Chapel.

A Memorial Service will take place Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11 AM at Tarpley Baptist Church with interment to follow at Tarpley Cemetery in Tarpley, Texas.

In Lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: WEST TEXAS RODEO ASSOCIATION, 26049 US HIGHWAY 277 SOUTH, CHRISTOVAL, TEXAS 76935

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bandera Funeral Chapel,