Simone "Billie" Rector, 89, formerly of Ada, MN, and Waubun, MN, died Sunday, February 5, 2017, at Serenity Assisted Living, Dilworth, MN.

Simone "Billie" Patrice Rector (Nee- Robin) was born in Nancy, France, on February 1, 1928, and completed her Earthly journey the morning of February 5, 2017, surrounded by her loving caregivers at Serenity Assisted Living in Dilworth, Minnesota. She was raised in Nancy, France, and at the age of 20, she migrated to the United States.

Simone met Dwight Rector while working as a waitress at Red Apple Café in Mahnomen, Minnesota. They eventually wed, and made their home in Ada, Minnesota, where they raised their 2 children, Margaret and Calvin.  Simone worked as a waitress at various establishments, until she decided to open a home daycare.  She adored the children in her daycare, and formed long-lasting relationships with many of them.  In her free time, she enjoyed walking to The Creamery in Ada for coffee every day, and loved conversations with anybody and everybody she would encounter, friend or stranger.  Simone also loved to cook for family and friends, and brought her delectable French flair to all cuisine served in her home.

Simone and Dwight retired permanently to their home on White Earth Lake. After Dwight passed away in 2000, Simone remained at the lake home, until relocating to Serenity Assisted Living in 2007.

Simone was preceded in death by her mother and father, a twin brother, husband Dwight, son-in-law Robert "Bob" Loe, and grandson Christopher (Andrea) Loe. She is survived by daughter Margaret "Mugs" (Robert) Loe of Dilworth, Minnesota, Calvin (Rozanne) Rector of Karlstad, Minnesota, grandchildren Chantale Loe, Travis (Megan) Rector, Ryan Rector, and great-grandchildren Zian and Mylee Loe.

At Simone's request, there will be private services held with immediate family only. The family would like to extend immense gratitude for the compassion, generosity, and superb care demonstrated by the staff at Serenity while tending to Simone over the last decade.