Frances B. Bentsen, Billie, Bea, and Mom, passed away on June 3, 2026, in Midlothian, Texas. Services will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 11 A.M., visitation at 10 A.M., at Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie, Texas. Interment will be at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery beside her husband, Neil.

Billie was born on the family farm, in Mercedes, Texas, on May 17, 1926, the daughter of A. B. and Elma White Barker. She graduated from Edcouch-Elsa High School and attended Pan American College, Ohio University and the University of Texas.

She met her future husband when her brother, Ranny, introduced them while being students at Texas A&M. On June 18, 1947, she married Neil Bentsen in Edcouch, Texas. They reared three children in the Rio Grande Valley. The family moved to Dallas in 1955 and have been residents since. She lived in her current house for 62 years and by herself for the past 13 years until she broke her hip at Christmas, 2025.

She was a homemaker until she began her legal career and retired from Dallas’ Federal Reserve Bank where she was Assistant to the General Counsel and the first Paralegal in the Federal Reserve System. Billie and Neil spent several years of their retirement traveling in their motor home around the USA or to their lake house. She enjoyed gardening, crochet, needlepoint and being with her family.

Billie is survived by her sons, Bill Bentsen of Dallas, Bob Bentsen of DeSoto and daughter, Judy Opolka (Bob) of Midlothian. Two grandchildren, Kimberly Biddick (Blake) and Kelly Griffin (Aaron), both of Midlothian; four great-grandchildren, Landon, Ryland, Allie and Hunter. Sisterin-law, Joyce K. Barker; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, and special family friend, Charlie Myers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, A.B. and Elma Barker, her brothers, Joseph C. Barker, Randolph W. Barker, Roger S. Barker, her sister, Evelyn B. Gilley, and her loving husband, Neil Bentsen.