Sibylle ‘Billie’ Tull: Dec. 16, 1944 – June 29, 2021

Sibylle “Billie” Tull, age 76, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2021. Billie was born in Tübingen, Germany to Ella Golzinger and Werner Wissmen. She and her twin brother Thomas were born during the final years of a great and terrible war. It was a humble beginning during the world’s most turbulent years. She overcame the early years and earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching.

Billie met the love of her life in the bowling alley of her hometown. Bob was an Army soldier and Billie was a youth group leader. He spoke a little German and she spoke a little English, but with the help of a friend and a pastor they made it work even after Bob left Germany and came back to Oak Harbor, Wash. In August 1966, Billie came to the United States to be a governess for a family in the D.C. area. She came to visit Bob and his family for Christmas 1966 and ended up staying in Oak Harbor. They became in engaged and, in September 1967, they were married. Their first born, Robi, came along in November 1968, followed by Michelle in February 1972, and Jay in May 1973. Billie became a U.S. citizen in 1972 and was so proud to be an American.

Billie traveled the world, met incredible people, icons, movie stars, politicians, athletes and tens of thousands of ordinary people around the world. She was a world class gymnast, a UN ambassador for women, a teacher and a coach. She brought students from around the world to Whidbey Island through the E.F. program and gave them a chance to see a small part of the U.S., allowing them to share their world with Whidbey. Billie was involved in her church, singing in choirs and was also a Stephens Minister. She was a founding member of Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor and was involved in many other groups in the community. She loved her community and gave her time and love whenever she could.

Most importantly, she was an amazing mom who not only raised her three children, but countless other children in her daycare and the gymnastic school. Billie treasured her grandchildren and loved them dearly. When Billie met her great-granddaughter for the first time, her face lit up with a smile. She was so happy.

Billie is preceded in death by her mother Ella; husband Robert “Bob” Tull Jr.; sister Maddie; brother Gert; and her father- and mother-in-law, Robert E. Tull Sr. and Wilma Tull.

She is survived by her children Robert “Robi” E. Tull, III., Michelle S. Tull and J’harv G. Tull; grandchildren Zachary (Victoria), Sophia and Emi; great-granddaughter Hazel Jane; her twin brother Thomas; and sister-in-law Myrna.

A memorial service will be held in Billie’s honor 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021 at the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. A reception will follow. Sometime afterward, a private family gathering will be held at Willamette National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to HomePlace of Oak Harbor, 171 S.W. 6th Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277, or Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor, P.O. Box 893, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.