Wilma “Billie” Jo Jagers, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 20, 2024 after a brief illness. Billie was born to Harold and Ruth (Byers) Ristle on January 20, 1936 in Youngstown, Ohio. Billie attended Kent State University and graduated with a dual major. Shortly after graduation, Billie met the love of her life, Donald L. Jagers, and began her teaching career. Her early days in education were at Ravenna Township High School and eventually she became a substitute teacher in the Garfield school district. While continuing to teach part time, Billie also began a career at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). She was a Scenic Rivers Stream Quality Coordinator. Billie was a lifelong educator and she also worked for OSU Extension Portage County 4-H as a program assistant. Billie dedicated many hours in volunteer work as a 4-H advisor over the course of 25 years. She was credited to bringing outdoor conservation into the Nelson Pins and Pliers 4-H club and could be seen each year supporting 4-H at the Portage County Randolph Fair.
Billie and Don were married in June 1958. Soon after their marriage they began J & C Farm Supply and successfully ran that business for 44 years. Together they founded Beechwood Meadows Farm and spent many years breeding and racing Trottingbred and Welsh ponies. Racing was a weekend passion and they travelled from Indiana to Virginia for races. The Jagers’ family wagon and ponies could be seen at many Garrettsville parades. They shared two sons and nearly 46 years of marriage before Don’s passing in 2004.
Billie is survived by her sons William (Marie) Jagers and Richard (Shelly) Jagers. Five step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren; cousin Becky Wheeler whom she spent summers with at the Byers’ family farm in Williamsport, Maryland, and lifelong friend Roger Parent whom she befriended as children in Youngstown.
The family will receive guests for a celebration of life Saturday May 11, 2024 from 2-6pm at the Nelson Township Community Center. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in Billie’s name to Portage County 4-H Scholarship Endowment Fund (605881). Donations can be mailed to The Ohio State University Foundation, P.O. Box 720811, Columbus, OH 43272-0811.
