Who is Bill's Mother from The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid and what is their importance?

Bill's mother was raised in Omaha, Nebraska. Her mother died at a young age, and Bill's mother and aunt took over the responsibility of handling the household. Bill's mother received a scholarship to Drake University, where she met Bill's father at The Des Moines Register. The couple married and had three children, two boys and a girl. Bill's mother continued working at the paper as the home furnishings editor. Bill met his mother for dinner and a movie most Friday nights.