Bette Bohlinger

Bette Bohlinger died Jan. 9, 2006, at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena. She was 70.

Bette was born June 23, 1935, in Forsyth to Joe and Hazel Cobetto. Her family moved to Billings when she was young, and her father established a neighborhood grocery store there. Bette enrolled in Fratt School. She graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 1953. She attended Eastern Montana College, and eventually earned her Ph.D. in life.

Bette and her four children married John Bohlinger in 1963. The Bohlingers were blessed with two more sons in 1964. They made their home in Billings until John was elected lieutenant governor in 2004. With Bette as Second Lady of the State, they made their new home in Helena.

She is survived by her husband, Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger; her children Jeanne Cox and Bruce Baty, of Missoula, Jan Aileen Osborne and Douglas, of Billings, Mark Joseph Bohlinger and Teri, of Cheyenne, Wyo., JoLynn Sommers and Chuck, of Billings, Nicholas Bohlinger and Kamala, of Gig Harbor, Wash., and John Bohlinger and Sherrie, of Nashville; 14 grandchildren; one great grandchild; and her dog Sophie.

Letters and cards can be sent to the Bohlinger family at the following address: Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger, P.O. Box 200801, Helena MT 59620-0801.