Wife of Lt. Gov. Bohlinger dies

Bette Bohlinger, wife of Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger, died Jan. 9 at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena after a battle with acute leukemia.

She was diagnosed for the first time with acute leukemia about one year ago, and she was in remission when tests revealed this past December that the cancer had returned.

"We are people of faith," said Lt. Gov. Bohlinger. "My family thanks the people of Montana for all their support, and we ask them to keep us in their thoughts and prayers as we go through this trying time."

"Bette always had a smile, always had kind words for everyone. She was an amazing woman, a dear friend and a great Montanan — she will be missed," said Gov. Brian Schweitzer. "Nancy and I are praying for John and his family."

Bette Bohlinger recently led the charge to get Montanans signed up for the National Bone Marrow registry. She needed a donor herself, but more important to her was giving hope to the thousands of other people who need marrow.

The governor, his wife and his staff held a marrow drive on Jan. 5. Bette was in attendance, thanking everyone for giving hope.

"I ask anyone who is willing to donate to please get on the registry," she said. "How wonderful it would be to save someone's life."

A funeral is planned for Saturday in Billings. The flags will be flown at half mast at the Capitol.