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Bette Jimenez Obituary
October 29, 1941 - September 27, 2024 (age 82)
Bette Lou Toshiyo Jimenez of Garryowen, Montana, died peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2024 at Sunrise Senior Living, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Hardin, Montana on October 29th, 1941 to the late Harriet and Joe Nagashima and grew up on a farm in Shepherd, Montana. She graduated from Shepherd High School and attended Eastern Montana College. She met her husband, Fil in Billings, they moved to Colorado in 1962 and planted roots in Lakewood.
Her family was extremely important to her and she quickly became a fixture in the schools attended by her children, volunteering in various capacities and never missed a sporting, cheerleading or band event. She was beloved by the faculty and students during her time as the attendance secretary at O'Connell Junior High and was honored with numerous awards during her career as a federal civil servant.
Bette was a strong Christian with a deep and undeniable faith in God and served the church as a pianist, choir member and vacation bible school coordinator. She loved gardening, cooking, entertaining and trying new restaurants.
We find comfort in knowing Bette's legacy lives on through the lessons she taught us, the love she shared and the memories we will cherish forever.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Fil and her two children, Greg Jimenez (Theresa) and Michelle Hallett (Tim) as well as grandchildren TJ (Bre), Chris, Nathan, Meagan (John), Bradley, Lindsay and Jimmy, and 2 great-grandchildren, Jane and Benjamin. She is also survived by her sister, Virginia Motoyama.
A Memorial Service will take place on October 17th at 10:00 am at Grace Covenant Church, 10101 W Mississippi Ave Lakewood, CO.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Jefferson County Action Center at https://theactioncenter.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Barbara Quanbeck Bucher
December 3, 2024
I knew Bette Lou as a neighbor and friend when we grew up together in Shepherd, MT. I am especially happy to read in her obituary how she lived out her Christian faith and served the Lord in so many ways. Barbara Quanbeck Bucher
John Espinoza
October 15, 2024
Bette was a wonderful and kind person with a great sense of humor! My mother worked with Bette and they shared many laughs and good times. Bette was a tremendous hostess who provided excellent food, drinks and hospitality. Bette was a very positive person who was genuinely concerned about other people. I cherish my time spent with Bette who was a positive influence in my life and will forever have wonderful memories of Bette.
Lewis Gazda
October 14, 2024
I moved away from Colorado a long time ago but one set of memories I will always cherish revolves around the Jimenez family. Greg was one of my best friends, "Moody" was and is Greg's magnificent sister and their parents Bette and Fil were not only like second parents but also friends. Their door was always open to me even when Greg was not home. Every time I was over, which was often -- and which was certainly difficult for Fil and Bette -- their generosity, warm hearts and thoughtful advice were freely given. Bette's smile and happiness were contagious and her concern for everyone who knew her was genuine. She was truly loved by all and her passing is a tremendous loss. Bette created beautiful memories that will remain alive forever in my heart and mind as well as in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew her.
Peggy S.
October 6, 2024
Miss Bette is an amazing lady and will be so missed by me!! I loved being her Barista for almost 10 years and loved being her friend even more
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Carol Stewart Kramer
October 6, 2024
Sorry for your loss, Bette and I went to school together in Shepherd. Always loved her great smile and her laugh.
Mary and Dave Breakfield
October 5, 2024
We are so sorry, Fil, Greg, and Michelle, but we know that Bette is with Jesus.
I´m Vincent Parrino´s daughter Mary, and we (including my husband Dave) became reacquainted with Fil and Bette, at my parents´ dual-90th-birthday party, in 2013, there in the Denver area. We four sat together and spoke together of our common faith in Jesus. It was memorable to be with Bette; I sat next to her.
We began exchanging Christmas cards yearly, afterwards. So sweet!
May God comfort you all, in knowing that we are safe in Jesus´ arms, on earth, and when we pass into eternity with Him.
Love, Mary Breakfield
Green River, WY
Joe Parrino
October 5, 2024
Fil and my dad Vincent Parrino worked together at the U.S. Forest Service as cartographers (map makers). They became lifelong friends, as did our families.
I was a kid when I first met Bette. She always had an intense presence, where I tended to remember a lot of what she said. I'll share two examples.
As a tall and skinny kid, I remember one of the first things she said to me was "you've got hands that would be great for piano playing". I think she was giving piano lessons during that time. Unfortunately, we were not a musical family and that didn't go anywhere.
One of the last things she said to me was in 2016 or 2017 after the passing of our mother, Dorothy Parrino. Bette looked deeply into my eyes and said "thank you for serving your dad during this difficult time". Our dad Vincent had suffered a severe stroke and Bette knew my sisters and my wife Beth and our son and daughter-in-law were all helping him.
She always spoke from the heart. She made a difference in my life. It was a privilege to know and be friends with the Jimenez family.
Dominique Hernandez
October 4, 2024
Nancy Kichler
October 4, 2024
Bette Lou was our neighbor, co-worker and friend for over 60 years. Whenever our families were together it was guaranteed that we would have a lot of laughs and eat eat eat!!!!! Bette will truly be missed by anyone that ever met her. Fil, Greg and Michelle we send our love and prayers. Love Martin and Nancy Kichler and Verona Huckaby
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