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It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mom, sister, grandma, great-grandma, aunt and friend. Phyllis Jane Bettger passed away on Jan. 28, 2024, at the age of 76 at the Spirit Mountain Hospice House in Cody, Wyoming.
Born on March 28, 1947, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She grew up in the Elk River Valley near Clark, married Kenneth Bettger and lived in Steamboat Springs. She later retired with Ken and lived in Byron, Wyoming. She was a devoted and loving wife, and a dedicated and caring mother to her children, Troy, Susan and Chester. She was so proud of her grandchildren; spending time and being a part of their upbringing brought her so much happiness.
Phyllis lived a fulfilling life; selfless, she was always putting others before her own. She was strong willed, hardworking and tenacious. She was forever faithful to the Catholic Church and her unwavering faith was a part of who she was, giving her strength, fortitude and lifelong friendships.
She had a special talent for cooking the tastiest home-cooked meals and desserts. She cherished family gatherings, making everyone’s favorite dish. Surrounded by family, Phyllis loved singing along with Ken and Chester, enjoying a cold beer, as they played their guitars/ banjo. She enjoyed the outdoors, warm sunny days, picnics, camping, fishing and wildflowers. Phyllis loved her home; dried Monarch butterflies hung on her curtains, hummingbird feeders hung on the front porch to enjoy them buzzing around.
Phyllis was an amazing storyteller, bringing laughter with her lighthearted, playful and silly sense of humor. Always easy to talk to, she was gifted with the ability to allow others to be open and share their stories, hardships or accomplishments. Phyllis touched the lives of those around her. She will be missed dearly, and forever in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Tom Buchanan and Doug Buchanan.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of 57 years Kenneth Dale Bettger and their three children and families: Troy and Shawneen Bettger of Hayden, Colorado, Susan Bettger and Kurt Waldo of Durango, Colorado, Chester and Genevieve Bettger of Clark, Wyoming; her siblings and their families: Ellen and Bob Burkett from Denver, Colorado, Ed and Karen Buchanan from Baggs, Wyoming, Mike and Karen from Pavillion, Wyoming, Julia and Cap Kuney from Grand Junction, Colorado, and Pat and Frank Peck from Buffalo, Wyoming.
Visual and viewing is on Feb. 8, 2024, at 6 p.m. at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lovell, Wyoming. Funeral Mass will be held on Feb. 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, with graveside burial following at the Byron, Wyoming cemetery.
