Bette Bohlinger has died

Just got this news release:

(HELENA) - Bette Bohlinger, wife of Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger, passed away this morning at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena after a battle with acute leukemia. Bette was diagnosed the first time with acute leukemia about one year ago, she was in remission when tests revealed this past December that the cancer had returned.

“We are people of faith,” said Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger. “My family thanks the people of Montana for all their support and we ask them to keep us in their thoughts and prayers as we go through this trying time.”

“Bette always had a smile, always had kind words for everyone, she was an amazing woman, a dear friend and a great Montanan -- she will be missed,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “Nancy and I are praying for John and his family.”

Bette Bohlinger recently led the charge to get Montanans signed up for the National Bone Marrow registry. Bette herself needed a donor, but more important to her was giving hope to the thousands of other people who need marrow.

Governor and Nancy Schweitzer and staff held a marrow drive last Thursday, January 5th, Bette was in attendance thanking everyone for giving hope --“I ask anyone who is willing to donate to please get on the registry. How wonderful it would be to save someone’s life,” said Bette Bohlinger.

A funeral is tentatively scheduled for Saturday in Billings. The flags will be flown at half mast at the Capitol. Governor Schweitzer’s schedule will be cancelled today.

UPDATE: (HELENA) – Services for Bette Bohlinger, wife of Lt. Governor John Bohlinger will be held in Billings on Saturday and next week in Helena.

Friday, January 13, 2006, 7:00PM
Vigil for Bette Bohlinger
Saint Patrick’s, 215 N. 31st, Billings

Saturday, January 14, 2006, 11:00AM
Funeral Mass Bette Bohlinger
Saint Patrick’s, 215 N. 31st, Billings

A memorial honoring Bette’s life will be held in Helena the week following the funeral; details are still to be determined.

Letters and cards can be sent to the Bohlinger family at the following:

Lt. Governor John Bohlinger
P.O. Box 200801
Helena, MT 59620-0801

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to any of the following charities, which were among Bette’s favorites.

Parmly Billings Library
Care of Sandy Raymond
510 North Broadway
Billings, MT 59101

St. John’s Lutheran Home
Care of Foundation Department
3940 Rimrock Road
Billings, MT 59102

Yellowstone Art Center
Care of Christi Niles
401 North 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101

St. Vincent’s Healthcare Foundation
1106 N 30th
Billings, MT 59101 - 0124

Billings Clinic Foundation
2917 Tenth Ave N
Billings, MT 59101

Head Start, Inc.
Care of Judy Bryngelson
615 N 19th
Billings, MT 59101

Flowers for the funeral services can be sent to Michelotti, Sawyers and Nordquist Funeral Home in Billings.