Bette Goplen, age 76, of Terry passed away on Monday, September 24, 2012 at the Riverstone Health Hospice in Billings with family by her side.
Bette Lue Schott was born on October 3, 1935 to Gustave and Ida Marie (Undem) Schott. She was the second child of eight. Bette grew up in Terry, Montana where she lived the rest of her life. Bette married Vaughn “Bud” Goplen on May 21, 1955. They met at Young’s Bar and Café where they both worked and later purchased this establishment. They had a life long history of serving good food and drinks to many people for the next 43 years. After Dads passing in 1997, our mother continued to run this business for two more years on her own as she had such determination to never give up. While running this business alongside of her husband Bud, their family of the Goplen five started; Mark, Melody, Mitchell, Miles and Marla. Bette was well known for her caramel rolls, cheese cakes and her love to cook German foods with family, friends and especially her grandkids. Bette had a love for standing up for one’s rights and was honored when the Brockway Road was completed, as she was one of the many ladies of Prairie County to go to Helena and fight for the road. Bette had many years involved in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and also the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Bette wasn’t about to “retire” when she closed Bud and Bette’s. Her new adventure was Meals on Wheels for the Town of Terry which she loved doing for many years. When her COPD took more control she became a companion for many of the elderly in Terry. Bette struggled with dementia and later moved into the Prairie Community Hospital. Bette always loved to greet many with “Hi, how are you today?” because she really did care how your day was going.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Diana and Shannon, brother Virgil, husband Bud and son Miles. Bette is survived by her children: Mark and wife Pam of Casper, WY; Melody Dewald and husband Richard “Dick” of Fort Worth, TX and their children Dirk and Chelsea; Mitchell and wife Mary of Billings, MT and their children Alec and Chase; and Marla Pluhar and her husband Alan of Cohagen, MT and their children Kalley and Kalan and his wife Breiann; sisters: Leona Arthur of Vernal, UT, Donna Murphy of Sandy, UT, Soleen Schott of Salt Lake City, UT, and brother Richard “Pete” Schott of Casper, WY; brother-in-law Rusty Gilcrest of Wilson, OK and many nieces and nephews. Bette had a very special bond with all her siblings.
Visitation will begin on Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry followed by a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Prairie Community Hospital, Terry Pool Foundation or to Billings Clinic
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday September 27, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Prayer Service
6:00 pm
Thursday September 27, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Friday September 28, 2012
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday September 27, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Prayer Service
6:00 pm
Thursday September 27, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Friday September 28, 2012
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
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Derald and Vivian Reno says
To the family of Bette Goplen,
May God’s love heal your sorrow, and may His peace
replace your heartache with warm and loving
memories of Bette. Extending our
Sympathy to all of you.
Kevin and Toni Kalfell says
To Bette’s Family: What a wonderful lady who we loved to see come into the Courthouse as she was always so positive and appreciative. May you now hold all the wonderful memories close to your heart.
Edward and Melissa (Brown) Adams says
To Bette’s Family: So sorry to hear of Bette’s passing…she holds many fond memories in my heart! I was just speaking of her on Sunday and how we used to go for ice cream as I was growing up….have never found another place that can make a black and white or a brown and white!! Thoughts, prayers and love are with you all!
Julie Kaufman says
Your mom was always fun to visit with when I came back to Terry. Had to stop in and see her. We will all miss her.
Julie Buckingham Kaufman
Joyce Buckingham says
Oh, Bette, how I loved you and Bud. I miss you old friend. I am so glad I got to see you this summer, if only for a few minutes. Enjoy your reunion with Bud and Miles.
Vernon & Janice Kaul says
So sorry to hear of Bette’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. We had a lot of fun on steak nights at Bud & Bette’s in the 80es.
Gene and Sue (Kirkpatrick) Cranford says
To Bette’s family: So sorry to hear of Bette’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary and Cathy (Ban) Kalmback says
Mark, Melody, Mitch & Marla,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Prairie County has lost an icon! Over the years I’ve had some wonderful visits with her at Bud & Bette’s, at the Post Office, or at the Nursing Home. When we tell our children about black & whites or that we had cherry or carmel cokes and they didn’t come out of a can, they have no idea what we are talking about. And her ice cream was to die for…loved the pumpkin and licorice!! Cherish all of the precious memories!! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cathy and Pat Murnion says
Marla and Family,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Alan, Marla, and family,
Sorry to hear about your mother. Our deepset sympathy to you and all your family. God Bless. Glen and Teena
Kathy (Hinnaland) West says
Dear Goplen family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Bette was a special lady who was a dear friend to our family for as long as I can remember. I will always remember her great sense of humor, the delicious food she cooked, and the kindness that she showed to others. Our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love,
Kathy
Tom and Darlene Hess says
Sorry to hear of Bette’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
DeLynn and Angie Meidinger says
Goplen Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We remember all the delicious Sunday buffets that we ate at Bud and Bette’s. Oh such scrumptious food it was. Cherish all the memories you have of your mom..
Lori Wheatcroft says
Alan, Marla and family AND Mitch, Mary and family:
Our deepest sympathy goes to you and your families. We will be thinking of you and know we are only a phone call away. take care and love from your MN relatives. Lori & John, Sarah & Joe, Anne & Max
Virgil Farris says
I grew up in the Terry area and have known Bette for years. She was a jewel. Her kindness and love for life will be remembered by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.
Virgil Farris
Delphine Coon says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Just remember the good times with your mom. My girls and I have many thoughts and laughs of my mom. Funny things she did and we now see ourselves doing the same thing!
Barb Hinnaland says
Mark, Melody, Mitch, Marla and families,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom was a special lady. I have such fond memories of her. She was a caring mom who was so proud of all of you, a good role model, a fantastic cook, a great neighbor and a real icon in the town of Terry. She left her mark on the town of Terry and all who passed through it. When I think of a tasty cheeseburger, I will always remember the burgers she made at Youngs. They are still my favorite of all time. I remember her kindness as well as the the cinnamon rolls and other tasty treats she brought to our house after mom passed away. She was a special lady with a kind heart who will be remembered by many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you put her to rest.
John and Lillian Loomis says
We are so sorry for your loss Marla, and family! The loss of a Mother is really a hard thing . Our love and prayers are with you at this time!
norm Clarke says
Miss that great smile and those cinnamon rolls. I have so many great memories attached to Young’s Cafe/ Bud & Bette’s.