Elizabeth "Bette" Holmes

Elizabeth Mae Hood Holmes (Bette) turned the final page of her life on October 1, 2016, after 99 amazing years. She was a much-beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to those who have passed before her and those left behind.


Bette was born June 28, 1917, to Charles and Hazel Hood in Froid, Montana. The young family only stayed a short time before moving to various places in the west and mid-west, finally settling in the Chicago area. Bette was the eldest of six children. Her youngest sister Bobbie, of Asheville, N.C., is the only remaining sibling, with Carol, Chuck, Joan, and John having passed before her.


Bette married Erwin Holmes in 1939, in Evanston, Illinois. Erwin was in advertising, a profession that led the young couple to move out west to Butte, Helena, then finally, Missoula. While Erwin developed his career with The Missoulian, Bette was busy as their family grew to include Richard, David, James, and Barbara. Once the last kid was in school, Bette began her own working life. She did office and accounting work, then eventually became a Realtor, a profession that she enjoyed for many years. She was always interested in learning new things, and took many classes at the U of M. Bette's hobbies included gardening, knitting, crocheting, photography and rock collecting.


Bette and Erwin had been active members of the First Presbyterian Church, as well as members of bridge clubs, bowling and golf leagues, service organizations, and square and formal dance clubs, all activities where they made many dear friends. The two of them loved to travel, taking vacations to visit relatives and friends all over the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe and the U.K.


Erwin, son James, and daughter-in-law Jan preceded Bette in death. Bette is survived by her children, Richard Holmes (Gabriela) of Ontario, Canada, David Holmes of Spokane, and Barbara Holmes-Smith (Jeff) of Missoula. Grandchildren are, alphabetically, Colin Smith (Estha McNevin), Joelle Chester (Brian), Justin Smith (Laura), Lindsey Holmes (Andy Kyrgoussios), Maggie Holmes Lam (Phil), Michelle Scanlon, Nicola Holmes, Paula Holmes Rodman (Bill), Richard A. Holmes, and Stephen Holmes. Great-grandchildren are Ben Scanlon, Brady Chester, Emily Scanlon, Jessica Chester, Kiendra Chester, Liam Smith, and a brand-new Baby Girl Smith due in November.


Bette was the picture of strength and grace, and will be sorely missed by all who are left behind. A life well-lived! The family wishes to thank the staff at Village Senior Residence for Mom's last year and a half of independent living, as well as the doctors and nursing staff on Community Medical Center's second floor for a dignified exit. Internment will take place in October, and the family will celebrate her life with a reunion in June, 2017.