Bette Jean Puchalski, 83

Bette Jean Puchalski passed away the morning of Aug. 11, 2018 in Kalispell. Bette suffered for many years with a terminal illness that ultimately took her life. Bette was born June 22, 1935 in Lisbon, North Dakota to Eugene and Hilda (Thompson) Johnson.

Bette was scheduled to go on a date and while waiting for her date to arrive, she was introduced to the love of her life, Edward Puchalski. Edward proposed that she ditch her date and go to a dance with him; she enthusiastically accepted. After spending the evening together, Edward asked for her hand in marriage, Bette said “yes”.

Their engagement was cut short when Edward received deployed orders to Alaska. Bette and Edward quickly eloped in Minnesota and began their 62 years of marriage together. With love and the assistance of their five children, Bette and her late husband built their family home in 1997. The home sat on the edge of McGregor Lake in Marion, where they enjoyed spending most of her time. A short time later, they established and operated McGregor Lake Ceramics. Bette and Edward enjoyed painting and creating beautiful pieces of work, often given to family and friends as personalized and special tokens of love. In 1954, Bette and Edward welcomed their first of five children. Over the years she worked several jobs, her most favorite being at Buttreys store. Bette enjoyed watching boxing and wrestling, baking, playing skip-bo, spending time with family and friends, and sharing her love story with all.

Bette is proceeded in death by her husband, Edward; parents, Hilda (Thompson) Johnson and Eugene Johnson; her brother, Carl Puchalski; and her son, David Puchalski. She is remembered by her sister, Carol Odegard; her children, Lonnie (Pam) Puchalski, Linda and (John) Swaim, Diane Puchalski and Roger Puchalski. Her grandchildren, Casandra (Marshall) Smith, Michelle (Billy) Carpenter, Kathryn (Tyra) Barrow, Doug (Mary) Puchalski, and Brianne (Rusty) Logan. Her great-grandchildren Charity Swaim, Jordan Sisneros, Jaide Logan, Emma Carpenter, Seliene Logan, Kirianna Barrow, Brooklyn Carpenter and Adalynn Barrow; and her great-great-granddaughter, Haven Swaim.

Bette‘s funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, August 14, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. All are welcome.

A special thank you to the Brendan House staff who cared for Bette during the last 2 1/2 years of her life; close family friend, Barbara Williams, who has always been a consistent, helpful and loving daughter-in-law; and lastly, thank you to Pastor Tim Bartholomew for honoring both Bette and Edward during their funeral services.

Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.