Bette Alice Kuennen

Bette Alice (Baylon) Kuennen of Libby, Montana, passed away on April 3, 2023, from complications of Alzheimer’s dementia.

Bette was born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on July 3, 1941, and was the second of three daughters born to August and Bess (Schlechter) Baylon. Affectionately known as “Bebbs” to her mother.

She attended North Side School and Bonners Ferry High School (class of 1959) where she discovered and developed a love of music, sewing, knitting, piano, band and playing the tenor saxophone.

After graduation, Bette attended the University of Idaho (UI). While there, she enjoyed playing in the marching band and graduated with a degree in home economics that included a teaching emphasis. At UI, Bette also met her future husband, Louis.

Bette and Louis were married in 1964 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and during their almost 59 years together raised five children: Michael (Jeannie) Kuennen of North Las Vegas, Nevada; Kathleen (Randall) Kuennen Walker of Hurricane, Utah; Stephen (Mary) Kuennen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Christopher (Liberty) Kuennen of Littleton, Colorado; and Sarah (Rob) Shogren of North Bend, Washington. She also lovingly and proudly welcomed their grandchildren: Madison, Kellason, Kaydn, Amelia, Talea, Madeline, Robby, Kyra, Laureson, India, Olivia, Audrey, Nathaniel and Taryn.

Bette was preceded in death by her mother, father, older sister Marie, granddaughter, Kaydn, and niece, Linda. She is survived by her sister, Susan; her niece, Donna; and her nephews, Bruce, Scott and Dean.

Above all, Bette cherished time spent with her family and with that came many hours card playing, volunteering with boy/girl scouting programs and projects, church and sports activities, speech/drama, music and many other activities. She had a passion for house plants and could get almost anything to grow.

Bette was a wonderful cook and music was always a passion for Bette, whether it was singing with the Sweet Adelines, Treasure Tones, or the church choir or listening to favorites like Johnny Mathis or one of the many musicals she enjoyed.

Another passion she shared with her children was her love of fishing the many streams and creeks in the Libby area. Bette was accomplished at sewing and knitting and created many beautiful items through the years. Bette also really enjoyed working with crafts.

In the past several years, she spent many hours enjoying the hummingbirds that frequented the feeders she had placed by the windows. Bette enjoyed her long-time friendships with some (in her own words) “very special ladies.”

She was not afraid to tackle fixing something or figuring out why something didn’t work. At the grand age of 68, Bette also hiked the Grand Canyon.

Bette loved her family passionately, sang in her alto voice melodiously, held her faith firmly, lost in card playing poorly, had a beautiful laugh and smile, enjoyed a glazed doughnut or maple bar and will be missed greatly.

We take comfort knowing that she is now at peace surrounded by light.

A cremation mass will be held at 11 a.m. May 12, 2023, in Libby, Montana, at St Joseph Catholic Church with lunch to follow. Rosary to be held at 10:30 a.m.