Community supports Billbe teens, family during changes
Staff reporter
In their young lives, Ashley and K.J. Billbe have been through many changes.
Their lives changed forever May 10 when their mother, Brandi Billbe, and friend Lori Leeders died in a four-vehicle accident on U.S.-50.
In the accident, Ashley was seriously injured, and required hospitalization for more than six months.
A local couple provided a home for K.J., and often took him to Wichita to see his injured sister.
In the meantime, father Randy Billbe and wife Connie were notified of the tragedy and moved from Milwaukee, Wis., to Marion to support and care for his children.
Ashley's condition continued to improve. This past fall, she was able to take three classes from Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis Campus, Wichita, with Marion High School through Internet and fiber optic connections.
The day after Thanksgiving, Ashley was dismissed from the hospital and joined her new family in a new home.
The high school junior is determined to graduate with her class in 2006.
Currently, she attends classes every day at MHS and plans to take summer classes to get caught up.
This past week was the final week for scheduled physical therapy at St. Luke Hospital. Now she is on her own — doing various exercises to strengthen her body.
The family appreciated the community's support throughout the tragedy.
"We are so thoroughly impressed with Mr. Arnhold (MHS principal), Mrs. Janzen (school counselor), and the school district," said Kevin.
The main reasons the Billbes have stayed in Marion is because of the community and the school district.
"Plus the kids wanted to stay here," Kevin said.
The outpouring of support and concern has touched this newly-formed family. They know this is typical of smaller communities.
Before moving to Milwaukee, the couple lived in Tennessee. They lived in Milwaukee only two weeks before receiving news of the accident.
"In Milwaukee, we wouldn't have this kind of support," Connie said. "People are great."
Connie said people will ask her how Ashley is and she has no idea who they are but that's OK. She knows people are genuinely concerned and interested in her family.
Kevin works at Heartland Foods of Hillsboro. Connie works part-time for the school district and would like to find full-time work in customer service.
Everyday life is getting back to normal for the two teenagers.
They enjoy horseback riding and are involved in school activities.
K.J., an MHS freshman, was a manager for the football team, and is involved in Key Club and youth court.
Ashley will be a manager for the girls' softball team and enjoys watching basketball.
Following graduation, Ashley wants to go to college. She is interested in psychology and equine studies.
For now, the teens enjoy the things other teens enjoy and are looking forward to attending the MHS prom in April.
