Elizabeth Joan McAlear

Elizabeth Joan “Betty” McAlear (née Biehl), 82, died Feb. 6, 2026, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montana.

She was born Nov. 19, 1943, in Helena, Montana, to Clarence and Betty (Atwater) Biehl. As an infant, a doctor predicted she would be a “delicate child,” a notion she spent her life disproving through her strength, determination and spirited nature. She was raised on the Mountain View Ranch near Straw, Montana, attended grade school in Straw and Garneil, and graduated from Moore High School. An outstanding student, she earned several scholarships to attend Montana State College.

While there she met her first husband, Loren Tweet. After two years she transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, a field she chose in part because of her admiration for her maternal grandmother, Mary Meigs Atwater, whose pioneering rehabilitation work with soldiers during and after World War I inspired her.

Betty and Loren married and raised two children, Brian Tweet and Brenda Dahl. She devoted those years to her family, a role she considered among her proudest accomplishments. After her children finished grade school, she returned to school and obtained her real estate broker’s license. She enjoyed helping people find homes and maintained her license until retirement.

In 1988 she married her second husband, Allen McAlear, and they made their home in Bozeman, Montana.

After attending Montana State College, Betty became a devoted and lifelong Bobcats fan. While living in Bozeman, she attended as many home games as possible, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer on her team. Each season began with renewed optimism that “this would be the year” the Bobcats would beat the Grizzlies and bring home a championship. Over the years she celebrated memorable victories over their rivals and rejoiced in Big Sky Conference titles. This past season brought her particular joy, as she witnessed the Bobcats defeat the Grizzlies twice and go on to win a national championship — a culmination she followed with great pride and satisfaction. Few things pleased her more than a strong Bobcat performance. Go Cats!

After Allen’s death, she moved to Lolo, Montana, to be near her daughter and grandchildren, where she lived until her passing.

Outside her family, Betty’s greatest passion was bridge and the many friendships she formed through the game. She achieved the distinguished rank of Ruby Life Master with the American Contract Bridge League. She also enjoyed playing games of all kinds with family and friends, especially pinochle, hearts and an occasional game of poker.

She inherited a lifelong love of fishing from her father, particularly fly fishing. She kept a rod and reel in her car and rarely passed a promising stretch of water without stopping to “wet her line.” Even in later years, when she could no longer fish herself, she delighted in pointing out “likely spots.”

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary Alice; her first husband, Loren Tweet; and her second husband, Allen McAlear.

Survivors include her children, Brian Tweet and Brenda Dahl; brothers Don Biehl and Chris Biehl; grandchildren Rian Dahl and Erin Dahl; and her beloved dog, Pepper.

Cremation has taken place. No formal service is planned; a small memorial gathering for family and close friends will be held later.

Memorials in her name may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Her strength, warmth and love of family, friendship and simple joys will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.