Betty Jean ‘Spracklin’ Stocker Cole, 82, of Terry, died Sunday Evening in the Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City after having suffered a heart attack. She was born Thursday, October 23, 1930 on the family ranch 20 miles North West of Jordan, in Garfield County, Montana to Amos and Iva ‘Heiss’ Spracklin. She spent her childhood growing up on the family ranch. She attended country school in Garfield County through 8th grade; then finished her high school education in Jordan, graduating with the class of 1948. While completing her high school education, Betty would stay in the Jordan Dormitory and waited tables at the local restaurant to help pay for her board and room during the week; then return to the family ranch over the weekend to assist with family choirs. On June 03, 1948, she married Henry Francis Stocker in the Old Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City, Montana. For the next eleven years, the couple worked on various ranches in the Garfield County Community, and had four children born to this union. The couple divorced September 23, 1960 in Miles City. Betty and the children remained in Miles City where she attended Miles Community College for two years studying bookkeeping and working 16 hour shifts as a waitress or cook in some of Miles City’s now extinct restaurants trying to support her self and four children. Several of these cafes included the Log Cabin, the Range Riders, the Red Rock, the Country Club, and the 600. She also worked as the cook during the local livestock auction sales, as a bartender in both the Bison and Trails Inn Bars; where she later in life, she worked as a swamper. On March 21st 1961, Betty married a second time, Donald Delbert Cole in Glendive, Dawson County, Mt.; he being previously married, had had five children of his own. Together, Betty and Delbert had one daughter, thus, bringing together 10 children from both parties’ marriages. Betty loved listening to Country Music from the 50’s and 60’s, cooking, gardening, growing flowers, oil painting, crocheting, reading, and visiting with family and friends.
Survivors include three daughters; Vicki ‘Pat’ Breen, of Terry, Mt; Odella ‘Dennis’ Freed, of Forsyth, Mt., Gloria ‘Eugene’ Spinler of Lincoln, Mt., one son, Michael ‘Debbie’ Stocker, of Salmon, Id., two step-daughters; Carol ‘Gary’ Davis, of Portland, Or., and Lorie ‘Thomas’ Merritt, of New Jersey, one step-son, DJ Cole, of Oregon; four sisters; Alice Bickel, of Billings, Mt., Bertha Roufley, of Jordan, Mt., Dorothy Tucker, of Spokane, Wa., and Helen Fowler, of Spokane, Wa.; 15 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Delbert Cole, her parents, Amos and Iva ‘Heiss’ Spracklin, her daughter; Karla Rae ‘Cole’ Murphy, one step-daughter; Lucille Cole; one step-granddaughter; Cheryl Merritt, of New Jersey; one step-son, Daniel Eli Cole, of Oregon; three former son – in – laws; Dan Morrison, of Id; Ronald Murphy, of Wa; and Thomas Cox of Milton Freewater, Or.; two sisters; Mary Spracklin; (died in infancy); Margaret Lewis, one granddaughter; Shannon Erlys ‘Jason’ Richey; one great grandson, Robert Spinler and several brothers and sisters-in-law; and cousins.
Betty will be remembered for many things, especially for her home canned tomatoes and both her pies and caramel rolls. She was a beacon of light that was to suddenly dimmed, yet her beautiful smile and loving heart will be remembered by all who where touched by her presence.
Burial was by Cremation through the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Her ashes were to be split between being buried with her second husband, Donald Delbert Cole and out on the butte North West of the family ranch now owned by her sister, Bertha Evelyn ‘Spracklin’ Roufley. A prayer service will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A reception will follow at the Trails Inn Bar courtesy of Bob and Mitsy, owners of the Trails Inn Bar. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com
To our mom, friend, sister, aunt, grandma, and great grandma- may your heart find peace in the loving arms of our Lord. God’s peace be with you till we meet again in his realm.
Julie and RJ Hubbard says
we are going to miss you Betty! I will miss talking recipes and bread baking with you!
Randy & Deb Bickel says
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time of sorrow. We are going to miss our Aunt Betty very much and her whole heart laughter. We will always cherish the memories and the stories we exchanged with her. God Bless to you, and yours.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
Going to miss you lots grandma. I will miss your dinner rolls, I loved them. There is so much I’m going to miss about her. Love you grandma
Gerome and Rita Wemmer and family says
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Betty. She was such a wonderful person. We cherish the memories of the shearing days and meals in the cook wagon! She will be missed by many. Love and prayers to all.
Ken & Kristi Stein says
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. I have fond memories of her stories in many kitchens feeding the shearing crews for many years and her continued battles to keep them all out of trouble. God Bless You Bettty and finally Rest in Peace!!!!
Lenore and Eloise Beach says
Our prayers and thought are with the families at this time of loss. Know she’ll be missed but in better place. God Bless.
Dodie Mc Donald Paxson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Betty was such a neat person and will be missed by all she touched and she touched many. She can now dance again with Delbert and may she rest in peace.
Dorothy Ban says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family
T Alston says
I am sorry for your loss. God promises that one day death will be no more (Isaiah 25:8 and Revelation 21:3,4) Until then, we can look forward to the hope of seeing our loved ones again by means of the resurrection (John 5:28,29, Acts 24:15) May you review these scriptures in your own copy of the bible and find comfort. (Romans 15:4)
Renee Peterson says
Dear Vicki and Pat,
I was sorry to read of your mother’s passing. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you and your loved ones.
Renee Peterson
Melissa Breen says
We will miss you so much Grandma. I am so thankful I got to see you in December. Thank you for everything you gave our family and the wonderful times I will always remember. We love you!
J.D. and Mary Alice Murnion says
Thanks for the memories of a good friend and a great classmate Betty! You were a pleasure to know. To your family we extend our deepest sympathy
J.D. and Mary Murnion
Jo Renee Jurey says
To Vickie and Pat.. So sorry for your lose. I have great and wonderful memories of Betty and Delbert and of Karla and I growing up in the 70’s.. sheering sheep, bailing hay and Karla and I learning to drive. My Mom Glenda, Sol and old black dog Clyde. So much fun. Betty, Delbert, Glenda and Sol racing old pickups and pulling funny jokes on each other.. Betty’s sweet gravy on cold school mornings and Delberts great hugs.. I know they are in heaven laughing about the good times.. Love Jo Renee Jurey