Mary Elizabeth Bills |
Mary Elizabeth Liz Bills
Obituary | Condolences
Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Bills Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Bills, 48, of Austin died Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Liz was born August 1, 1960 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Don and Dorothy Hughes Bills. In 1962, the family moved to Denver, Colorado. In 1968, they moved to Amarillo where Liz spent her "formative" years. She graduated from Tascosa High School in 1978. After college, Austin was her home. Liz obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas - Austin. She majored in economics and psychology and graduated with highest honors. She attended the University of Texas Law School and was licensed as a lawyer in 1985. Among various honors, she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Psi Chi Honor Society, UT College Scholar, and the Golden Key Honor Society. Since January 1988, Liz had worked for the State of Texas Office of the Attorney General. She worked in the division of Environmental Protection and Administrative Law, defending state lands and minerals, open beaches, and cleaner air and water for the citizens of Texas. She was a skillful analyst, excellent writer, and tenacious advocate. Liz's defining attribute was her compassion for all living things. She owned many dogs and cats over the course of her lifetime, often animals that no one else would have considered adoptable. Many charities for animals benefited from her largess. Liz was very active in the Austin Rowing Club. She took great pride in her natural rowing skills and enjoyed the camaraderie of her many rowing friends. Liz's sharp wit kept colleagues entertained and adversaries on guard. This was balanced with a genuine regard for others. She was a devoted Meals on Wheels participant and had also volunteered at the Rape Crisis Center and at Wildlife Rescue in Austin. Liz was preceded in death by her brother, Dan Bills, and her parents. She is survived by her sister, Brenda Parks of Temple; her nephew, Kelly Biggs and family of Temple, TX; and her niece, Stephanie Grossman and family of Las Vegas, Nevada. She is also survived by her adopted family, Luanne and Nathan Tinnin and daughters Elizabeth and Emily, her many friends at the AG's office, and her friends from the Austin Rowing Club. A celebration of Liz's life will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Commons Ford Ranch Park in Austin. It is suggested that memorials be sent to Wildlife Rescue - Austin, TX, United Animal Nations - Sacramento, CA, Capital Area Food Bank of Texas, or any charity related to the benefit and protection of animals.
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Published in Austin American-Statesman on May 31, 2009- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=mary-elizabeth-liz-bills&pid=127845645#sthash.FJ7CVqPX.dpuf