Billie Gollnick Obituary

Born February 9, 1928 Billie Mae Boyett Gollnick, age 97, of Bertram, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell Claire Boyett and Edna Beeler Boyett of Houston; her son, Steven Gollnick of Houston; and her son, Cary Gollnick of Bertram. Billie is survived by her son, Clayton Gollnick and his wife Rebecca of The Woodlands, Texas, along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

The majority of Billie's adult life was dedicated to pursuing and sharing her life's passion: yoga. Her journey began in 1964 and eventually took her across the world to India, where she immersed herself in yogic study, traveling throughout the Himalayan caves and learning from as many yogis as she could find. During her time in India, Billie became proficient in Sanskrit and had the profound experience of meeting Indra Devi, the author whose book had first inspired her spiritual path.

Upon returning to the United States, Billie shared her knowledge through lectures at country clubs, book clubs, and sociology classes. She continued her studies under yoga scholar Ernest Wood, deepening both her practice and her command of Sanskrit. In 1966, she began teaching yoga from her home, and as her student base grew, she founded The School of Yoga-the first woman-operated yoga studio in Houston.

In the late 1990s, Billie retired from formal instruction and relocated to Bertram, Texas. Retirement, however, never stopped her from sharing her wisdom-she continued offering free yoga classes at the local library well into her 80s.

Billie lived with purpose, curiosity, and generosity. Her lifelong dedication to wellness, spiritual inquiry, and service leaves a lasting legacy in every life she touched.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff of the Bertram Nursing Home for their outstanding care and compassion during Billie's final years.