BETTE J (Schoonmaker) WELCH Obituary (1933

Bette Janet Schoonmaker Smith Welch, 83, of Troy, Montana passed away peacefully on July 27, 2016 at Kalispell Regional Hospital in Kalispell surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 4, 1933 in Ballpark, Minnesota to Leo and Alice (Cartie) Schoonmaker. Bette moved to Troy with her family in 1948. She graduated from Troy High School and right after high school she married Abby Smith. They were blessed with three children, Debbie, Carla and Alan. All three children graduated from Troy High School. After over fifty years, her beloved husband passed away. Bette and James Welch were united in marriage November 6, 2004. They were separated by death after eleven years. Bette loved the Lord, her family, her church, her Pastor and friends very much. She was a ray of sunshine to all who met her, was always happy & enjoyed every day of her life. She made people feel important & that they had a purpose in life. On a personal note from her daughter Deb.....Mom was the pure definition of a "Social Butterfly", whether that was having coffee with someone, attending a school concert when her children were little, or just saying hello to someone. She loved people & was so very kind to all no matter who they were. If I could be half of the wonderful woman she was it would be an honor to her life. Everyday that passes, her family will be missing her very much. Bette is preceded in death by her mother, Alice Cartie Schoonmaker; parents Leo & Step-Mother Alma Schoonmaker; first husband, Abby Smith; & son, Alan Smith. Survivors of this wonderful lady include her husband James A Welch of Troy; her brother Wayne Schoonmaker of Troy; her daughters Debbie Hill (Warren) of Chester, Montana; Carla Smith of Great Falls, Montana; grandchildren Jesse Thompson also of Great Falls and Matthew Hill of Vaughn; & three great-grandchildren, Elena, Eric & Erin. Her funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at the Church of God in Troy, Montana with a reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Church of God in Troy. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.