Billie Cote

Billie Marie Cote' (Maj. Ret. US Army)
Billie Marie Cote' Tuttle, 84, of Missoula, passed in her sleep surrounded by family during the early hours of March 1st 2016.

She was born in Basin Wyoming on June 17, 1931 to Neal Tuttle and Irene Faries in Basin Wyoming.
She attended the Northwest Nazarene College in Napa Idaho, where she earned a bachelor's of arts degree. When she graduated, the college offered her the librarian job, but Billie had other plans. Taking a teaching position Lyle, Washington, Billie taught for two years. She then enlisted in the United States Army and drove cross country to attend Basic Training in Alabama.

Billie spent the next 12 years serving her country. She completed the WAC officer basic course, became an intelligence officer, and she traveled to Okinawa Japan. Her last duty station was Fort Lewis Washington. She separated from the Army with the rank of Major. During her service, she met someone special. On June 12th, 1970, she was married to George j. Cote', and settled in Fort Carson Colorado.
Soon after her sons Neal and Michael were born and the family moved to Missoula, Montana in 1974.
Billie became a high school substitute teacher, and in this she excelled and touched many students. She also was the librarian of the Nazarene Church, as well as graduating from the University of Montana with a master's degree in Library Sciences. She was an exceptional seamstress, making dresses for several weddings, proms, and church programs. She was a mom to everyone, if you needed something, she would provide it.

She is survived by her husband George, sons Neal and Michael, and daughter Cami. Her sisters Galen Clearman, and Luann Brewer, as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and many adopted sons and daughters in their neighborhood, and all over Missoula.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents Neal and Irene Tuttle, her brothers Jimmy and Charles Tuttle, and sisters Linda Dursma and Elisie Killen.

A memorial service will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene on Saturday March 5th at 2 P.M.








Read Billie Cote's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.