Co-founder of Schlitterbahn Water Parks dies at 87



SCHLITTERBAHN TRIVIA: Everything you wanted to know about Schlitterbahn ... less Billye Henry (second from right), the co-founding matriarch of the popular Texas waterpark chain Schlitterbahn died this week, according to the company, nearly a year after her husband passed away. She was 87 years old. Here, she is seen with hudband/co-founder Bob Henry and their three children: Gary, Jana and Jeff. Billye Henry (second from right), the co-founding matriarch of the popular Texas waterpark chain Schlitterbahn died this week, according to the company, nearly a year after her husband passed away. She was 87 ... more Photo: Schlitterbahn Waterparks And Resorts Photo: Schlitterbahn Waterparks And Resorts Image 1 of / 56 Caption Close Co-founder of Schlitterbahn Water Parks dies at 87 1 / 56 Back to Gallery

The co-founding matriarch of the popular Texas waterpark chain Schlitterbahn died this week, according to the company, nearly a year after her husband passed away. She was 87 years old.

Billye Henry was preceded in death by her husband Bob who died at 89 years old in late 2016.

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According to an official statement from the company, she is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

"Billye Henry will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, as well as a committed business woman," a company statement said. "Both she and Bob dreamed of having a business that would keep their family close, a dream that was realized with the creation of Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts."

With heavy hearts, we announce that our founder, Miss Billye, passed away today. We will continue to do our best to carry out her legacy.♥️ pic.twitter.com/gZQDz06Pcu — Schlitterbahn (@Schlitterbahn) August 17, 2017

"Mr. Bob" and his wife founded the New Braunfels Schlitterbahn park in 1979, opening with four water slides. It has since expanded to Galveston, Corpus Christi, South Padre Island and Kansas City.

Back in 1966 when they came to the area the couple wanted to start something that their whole family could work on together. The Henrys soon purchased the existing Camp Landa and installed a fiberglass waterslide. An idea began percolating.

In less than 30 years the water park was beckoning half a million people a year to enjoy the slides and chutes and get some respite from Texas' cruel summers.

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"Throughout the tremendous growth and expansion, Miss Billye never lost focus of making sure Schlitterbahn remained the kind of place families could visit," a company statement said. "She insisted on maintaining family friendly policies like free parking and the ability to bring in a cooler full of food and drink into the park. These policies have set Schlitterbahn apart from other theme and waterparks."