Billie I. Alben, 84, died at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, September 4, 2016 at Christian Hospital Northeast in St. Louis, MO. Born February 24, 1932 in Gary, Indiana, she was the daughter of George W. and Ruth (Enos) Longfellow. She married Carl J. Alben on December 15, 1951 in Alton. He preceded her in death on June 2, 1987. Mrs. Alben was a closing secretary from 1959-1976 for Harry Hemphill Realty and from 1976-1988 for Wooff Realty, and later from 1993 until she retired in 2001 from Major Realty. She was a member of the Ladies VFW Post 1308 Auxiliary. Surviving is a daughter, Ruth A. Birmingham of Alton, a granddaughter, Carla Dugger (Ryan) of Bethalto, two great grandchildren, Isabella and Adelyn Dugger, two bonus grandchildren, Sarah Edwards and Matthew Birmingham, and a sister, Julia Longfellow of East Alton. Along with her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a son, George Alben and two sisters, Lucille Marczek and Velda Beach. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 8, 2016. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Alton. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com