Elizabeth "Bette" Tinkle

.Bette was born to George and Elizabeth (Peschke) Golbeck on Aug. 17, 1926, in Chicago. Bette's father was a Chicago police officer. Bette was one of 10 children in the Golbeck family.

After high school, she went to work at Illinois Bell as an operator and later at Sears & Roebuck. It was then that Bette met her future husband, Wayne Franklin Tinkle of Detroit, Mich., on a blind date. Wayne was in the Navy and stationed at Great Lake Naval Base in Waukegan, Ill. Their relationship grew during correspondence and phone calls lasting through the two years Wayne served his country overseas. They were married on V.E. Day on May 8, 1945, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Chicago.

Bette's Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life and marriage. She proudly served her faith community over the years as a Eucharist minister. Bette had a passionate and adoring concern for others. She spent many hours serving the St. Vincent & Paul Society in Spokane, Wash., Fred's Room at St. Francis Xavier Church in Missoula and visiting and caring for the elderly in the comfort of their homes. Her ardor was able to touch the lives of those less fortunate in her neighborhood, demonstrating her belief that we should always put others first.

Bette and Wayne's union was blessed with 11 children. Next to her faith, it was Bette's life mission to nurture and protect her children, which she was mastering until her final breath. Her children are convinced that she continues as a newly christened angel in heaven. Bette truly was a loving and supportive wife, and an exceptional mother. Her love, care and concern knew no bounds.

Bette was preceded in death by her loving parents, several siblings, beloved husband and twin grandbabies. Bette is survived by a living legacy of 11 children, 35 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank their spouses for the love and support they have shown us all.

Vigil/rosary services will be held on Monday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Private family burial will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery in Stevensville.

Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.

Memorials may be sent to the Poverello Center.


Read Elizabeth Tinkle's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.