Billie Jean LaBass
July 25, 1949 - June 19, 2020

Billie Jean LaBass, 70, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away Friday, June 19, 2020, at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. She was born July 25, 1949, in Charles City, to Evelyn (Skinner) Smith Metz and William Dean Smith. Later in life, she was adopted by Leland "Red" Metz.

Billie grew up in Clarksville, Iowa, and was baptized and confirmed at Saint John Lutheran Church. She graduated from Clarksville High School, class of 1967, and was a long-time resident of Hampton. Billie was married to Leland Calease in Clarksville in 1967 and to Victor LaBass in Clear Lake in 1996. She lived a colorful life and traveled throughout the state of Iowa teaching Bob Ross style painting to many students. She enjoyed gardening, reading and spending time with her grandchildren.

Billie is survived by her children Jo (Tom) Lease of Iowa Falls, Teresa (Chad) Freeman of Tiffin, Jason (Katie) Calease of Tiffin and Evie Calease; eleven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; sisters Phyllis (David) Fimon of Iowa Falls and Rachel Nelson of Minnesota; brothers Mike (Lynn) Metz of Minnesota, Steve (Carol) Metz of Minnesota, Rodney Metz of Iowa; second mother Janice Metz of Clarksville; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother Evelyn (Skinner) Smith Metz; father William "Bill" Smith; adopted father Leland "Red" Metz; brothers Ronald Rix Metz, John Frederick Metz, Thomas Robert Metz and Raymond Clifford Metz.

Private family services will be held at a later date with burial taking place in the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville.

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