Bette C. Beitman
Bette C. Beitman, 86 of Billings, passed away at her home at
West Park Village on December 31, 2010, following a brief
illness. Bette Carmen Elizabeth Haythorn was born on January
3, 1924 in Eaton, CO, the daughter of Joe F. and Jennie (Holburg)
Haythorn. She was raised by prominent family in Eaton, where
her grandfather was the first teacher there. Bette was proud
of her pioneer heritage.
In 1947, she met Clarence “Clancy” Beitman at a boarding
house in Denver. Following a six month courtship, they were
married on October 4, 1947. Clancy was an electrical
engineer for USBR. They moved to Billings in 1950 and made
their home and raised their family here. Bette worked as a
payroll clerk for the United States Forest Service and
retired from the government job after 20 years of dedicated
service. Friends, family and laughter were always plentiful
and brought them great joy. Following Clancy’s death in
1995, Bette formed a friendship with Russ Sparks, who
remained her dedicated companion until his death in 2001.
Bette was a fun loving spirit with a cheerful outlook on
life. She enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends and
living life to its fullest! She loved playing bridge and her
love for people and causes allowed her to become involved in
many organizations throughout her life. She was a member of
PEO, Chapter AV; Eastern Star, Moss Agate 126 for over 50
years; Hilands Golf Club; NARF (National Association of
Retied Federal Employees); Martha’s Circle of First United
Methodist Church, The Petroleum Club, Riverside Country
Club, and was a volunteer at St. Vincent Hospital Gift Shop
for numerous years.
She was preceded in death by her husband Clancy, her
companion and friend Russ Sparks; son Joseph “Joe” Beitman;
her twin brother Bob Haythorn; and a grandchild.
Bette is survived by her son Robert “Bob” Beitman of
Bozeman, and William “Bill” Beitman of San Diego, CA;
grandchildren Trevor, Mari, Nancy, Joni, Donny, Perry, Brian
and Jenny; sisters-in-law Betty Haythorn and Marie Galloway;
and special friends Judy Larson, Marilyn Daines, Wayne and
Terry.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at
3:00 P.M., Friday, January 7, at First United Methodist
Church. A reception will follow at the Hilands Golf Club. As
instructed by Bette, “Make it fun and have some snorts!”
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
Dear Bob,
I am so sorry to hear about your recent loss. My heart is reaching out
to you for what you are going through.
I am thinking of you frequently and pray for peace for you and your
family in these difficult times.
If there is anything I can do, Anything at all, please don’t hesitate to
call.
Your Friend,
Tom Evans
Bob,
Bette was a very good friend of my mother’s, Rae MacLean. They loved
to play bridge together. One time they were both flying to Denver at
the same time. Bette got them both upgraded to first class and they
had a ball. When they got to the airport they both needed a
wheelchair for the long walk to the baggage. United brought one huge
wheelchair for both of them to sit in. The United attendant called
out to people to clear the way for “the sisters!” They talked about
that for years!
Bette also became a dear friend my mine and my husband. With my
mother, we recently visited her when she was in Bozeman in July,
then again in Billings when she moved to West Park Village.
She was a grand lady; much loved, and she will be very missed!
With our sympathy to you and all her family,
Rae MacLean
Katherine Ihli
Glen Liston
I had the pleasure of working with Bette
during 1965 - 1972. She was a great person and a lot of fun to be
with. I'm sorry for your loss. My memories of her are all good ones.
Beverly C. Hagan