Betty Buerkle

Funeral services for Betty Buerkle, 85, of Plevna, will be 11:00 a. m. , Friday, May 20, 2016 at Emanuel Evangelical Free Church, Plevna, MT with Pastor Joe Noel officiating. Burial will take place in Plevna Community Cemetery following the service. A family receiving friend’s service for Betty will take place from 5:00 p. m. – 7:00 p. m. , Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT. Betty Ruth (Ehret) Buerkle was born February 1, 1931, to John and Pauline (Graff) Ehret, south of Plevna, MT. During her early childhood, the family relocated to a farm north of Plevna, where Betty attended the Coal Springs country school until the eighth grade. She then attended Plevna High School. On November 13, 1949 she married Arthur Buerkle. They began married life on their farm eleven miles northwest of Plevna. To this union two children, Alvin and Eileen, were born. Betty was a farmwife in every sense of the word, being active both in the farming and ranching and in maintaining the home. Upon marriage, she became a member of the Congregational Church in Plevna. She belonged to Ladies Aid, taught preschool Sunday School for over 20 years, and taught Vacation Bible School. She was a member of the Fallon Creek Cowbelles. Art and Betty were avid Plevna Cougar fans, even more so after Alvin began coaching the Cougars. As a family, they enjoyed camping, hiking, and fishing. In February, 1980, Art passed away, leaving Betty a young widow. She continued ranching, even after moving into Plevna in the fall of 1981. She got her first job at Montana Central Agency working for Jim Leischner. In the mid-1980’s she retired and leased out the farm, and began a new chapter of her life. In retirement she was able to travel. One of the highlights was a five-country farm tour of Europe, with her sister. She also visited Washington DC, Alaska, Phoenix, and made numerous trips to Texas and Branson. It was said, that next to family, her car was her best friend! Travelling to see family was very important to her, and she loved to visit her grandchildren. She was always volunteering to babysit, help pack and move family members, or help with anything else family needed. She was very proud of the fact that all seven grandchildren graduated from college, some with Doctorate or Masters Degrees. The Plevna Senior Citizens, the Pink Ladies, her Plevna Pinochle Club, and caring for her flowers and yard also kept her busy. September, 2012 Betty moved into the Parkview Complex in Baker. She truly enjoyed being surrounded by her friends. Unfortunately, due to failing health, in August, 2013, she moved into the Fallon Medical Complex Long Term Care. Betty passed away peacefully on May 16, 2016. She will be remembered for her warm smile, generous nature, and love for her family. Betty is survived by her son, Alvin (Debbie) Buerkle, and their children, Derek (Kristi) Buerkle and Zoey, Todd (Lindsay) Buerkle, Mitchell Buerkle, and Melissa Buerkle; daughter, Eileen (Don) Rieger, and their children Lynn (Albert) Paul, and Jessica, Jenna, Jaeda, and Jordan, Lisa Rieger, and Leighton Rieger; brother, Leonard (Carol) Ehret; and sisters-in-law, Norma Buerkle and Jolene Ehret; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Pauline; husband, Art; brother, Richard Ehret; and sister, Esther Bremer.


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Burial Date: May 20, 2016
Church Emanuel Evangelical Free Church

Funeral Service: Friday: Emanuel Evangelical Free Church, Plevna, MT