Billie Coon's Tribute

Please pray for Billie's family, as they face the most unimaginable and difficult of days and weeks to come. There have been countless inquiries from loved ones asking how they can contribute to support the family. Those inquiries inspired this page in Billie's honor. We wanted to offer an avenue for those who feel compelled to help to show their love toward Billie.

Billie P. Coon passed away Friday, October 21, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri after having multiple physical crises brought on by MRSA.

Billie was born June 6, 1956 in Independence, Missouri to Robert D. and Marion L. Craig. She was the youngest of four daughters. Billie married William C. Coon and had two sons, Rodney W. Coon of Independence, Missouri and Matthew J. Coon currently stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Matthew and his wife, Melissa, gave Billie a grandson, Jace. After several years of marriage, Billie and William divorced.

In the summer of 1995, Billie met the love of her life, William P. Riley. He brought to their relationship four children. Mike Riley (wife Jessica), Becky Heffner (husband DJ), Melissa Henry (husband Kevin) and Brandon Riley. These children, Billie loved as her own and they gave thirteen more grandchildren to love. Emma, Maci, Carson, Payton, Addyson, Jocelyn, Gracie, Kennedy, Jayden, Reagan, Kyler, Ellie and Braden.

Billie was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She leaves behind the love of her life Bill Riley (BR), her two sons, Rodney and Matthew, her daughter-in-law Melissa, both of her parents, Robert and Marion Craig and three sisters, Carla Hern (and husband Mike), Ellen Speak and Sandra Bull. She also leaves behind fourteen grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Billie’s cremation will take place at Carson-Speaks Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri.

A Celebration of Life will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2022, at:

VFW Post 5789

329 SE Douglas Street,

Lee's Summit, MO, 64063.

The family has requested that flowers be sent to the home of Billie's stepdaughter, to bring to the service:

Becky Heffner

20925 Larkspur Drive

Peculiar, MO, 64078

"This is my wish for you, comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, love to complete your life."

~ Anonymous