Bette Hiser, 92

Bette died peacefully in her home on Monday, Oct. 25, 2010, surrounded by her family. She was born on Aug. 18, 1918, at Whitefish Hospital to Ralph and Lorena Page Cripe. They named her Wilma Elizabeth, but always called her Bette. She spent her youth exploring Whitefish with her older brother Ralph and other neighborhood kids. She loved the outdoors, fishing, swimming, skating and sledding, and grew into a strong, independent adult with a great sense of direction. Bette spent the war years raising her children while Edgar served in the Navy aboard ship. She had lots of support both from her family and Edgar s, but it was her fortitude which got her through those and other tough times. After Edgar s return to Whitefish the couple resumed their life together, enjoying family, playing cards and dancing. They were both active in VFW and Bette was a lifetime member of the ladies auxiliary. The lessons she taught her family about responsibility and duty were well balanced with her sense of humor. Even now, family gatherings ring with overlapping conversations and abundant laughter. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Bette was preceded in death by first husband, Edgar Herriges; son, Robert Herriges; second husband, Fred Hiser; and her brother, Ralph Cripe. She is survived by her daughters, Carol Rocks of Kalispell and husband, Russell Rocks, who resides at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls; Rae and Stan Buckland of Tucson, Ariz.; Ann and Jim Driskell of Kalispell; and Jean and Dale Huntsman of Kalispell; as well as 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Austin Funeral Home with Father Pat Patton officiating. Interment will follow at Whitefish Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.