Aleda (Billie) Kresge was born in Syracuse to Aleda and Howard J. Stagg on Feb. 24, 1923. A native of Syracuse, Billie considered Skaneateles, where her father built the family cottage in 1925, her second home. Billie graduated from University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1945.
She married the love of her life, Ralph Kresge II, on April 12, 1945, in Syracuse. They lived in Buffalo, Dallas and Arlington Heights, IL, throughout their 56 years of marriage. In addition to raising her four children, Billie was a dedicated high school teacher and a longtime member of PEO Chapter IX Sisterhood.
She was involved with the Presbyterian Church and an accomplished sailor and skier. She enjoyed being a 50-year member of the National Ski Patrol at Wilmot Mountain, WI, as well as skiing in Colorado and sailing in San Francisco with her children. Most of all, Billie cherished the summers she spent with her family in Skaneateles and the close community and friends that surrounded her.
Billie passed away in Skaneateles with family by her side on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 97 years old. She is survived by her daughter Aleda Kresge (John), son David Kresge (Julie), five grandchildren Stephanie, Kurt, Paul Jr., Robyn, Connor and four great grandchildren. Billie is preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Ralph Kresge III and Paul Kresge, and will be laid to rest with them at Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse during a private family gathering. To leave a condolence please visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
