Bette Merle (Young) Haugan, 95
Bette Merle (Young) Haugan, 95, passed away on Nov. 18, 2023, at her residence with family at her side.
She was a truly devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great “Ama.”
She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Mark and Carla Haugan, Marla and Kim Elliott, Rodger and Lisa Haugan, and Chris and Sue Haugan; six grandchildren, Geoff, Shawna, Kasey (spouse MariCarmen), Bryce, Anders and Annika; and three great-grandchildren, Jessa, Jasper and Aina.
She was preceded in death by her spouse of 70 years, Kenneth “Ken” Paul Haugan; and her parents, Vivian and Marlyn Young.
She was born in Wolf Point, Montana, on May 24, 1928, to Vivian and Marlyn Young. She grew up on a ranch in Granville, North Dakota, where she developed a deep love for horses and dogs.
She became a lab technician at Minot State College where she met her husband, Ken. They were married in 1950, and began their family a couple years later.
Over the years Bette, Ken and family resided in North Dakota, Texas, Alberta (Calgary), Tulsa, Oklahoma (Tulsa), making their final home in Kalispell in 1993.
She was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, Sons of Norway, local Doll Clubs and the American Doll Society. She shared her love of her antique doll collection at several National Doll conventions. She enjoyed volunteering at local hospitals in Calgary and Kalispell. She and Ken enjoyed many outdoor activities including skiing and camping with family often in the Seeley Swan and Glacier areas.
She loved their involvement with The Sons of Norway, often helping with lefsa making, bake sales and the annual lutefisk dinner. She continued her love of “feeding” family and friends and anyone who came to visit well into her later years.
She was an avid supporter of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities (basketball, track, soccer, art, band, science fairs, choir, golf etc.).
The family wishes to thank Dr. Habel for his many years of compassion, care and support, as well as care provided by Wellife Assisted Living, Brendan House TCU, and most recently Expressions/Prestige and many devoted in-home caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army/Northwest Division or the charity of choice.
A small private family gathering will be held in the spring.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.
