Elizabeth Ann "Bette" (Larson) Kinton

Missoula  -  Elizabeth (Bette) Ann Kinton aka “Crazy Annie Bette”, 69 years of age, passed away in her home on June 9, 2021 surrounded by her family and loved ones. We rejoice in her life and are thankful for all the love and laughter she gave to all who crossed her path. Bette lived a full life helping anyone she could, lending an ear to listen, encouraging laughter even in hard times and loving without judgement. She was the life of the party and made sure everyone she encountered felt loved and valued. Bette was born on July 1, 1951 in Yakima, Washington. She was one of 10 children born to Robert and Magdalena Larson. She loved to share her adventures and stories of growing up in her large and crazy family. She married the love of her life, Robert “Bobby” Kinton on March 2, 1974. The couple built a life together in Missoula, MT where Bette worked for the Missoula Parking Commission for 36 years and helped with the family paving business. She was active in Relay for Life and was honored as a two-time cancer survivor. Her strength and passion was to people with illness or in need, and could be seen driving other cancer patients to their appointments and supporting them through their treatment. She had a love for garage sales and there was no holding her back as she searched for deals and bartered until she got one. She rarely kept her “treasures,” but loved to give them to anyone who entered her house. “Come look in my basement and see if you want something,” was commonly heard from Bette if you stopped by her house to visit followed with, “What can I feed you, go lay down and take a nap, go home before it gets dark and let me know when you get home safely.” Bette fought cancer like a champ, never complaining. She would always tell people it was ok to have a 5-minute pity party, then pull up your big boy pants and get on with it. Her fight with cancer made her grateful for each day singing, “This is the day that the Lord has made.” She never backed down from an opportunity to praise Jesus and share her faith. She believed the Good Lord kept her on Earth to help all those who he put in her life and she did not hesitate or back down from her God-given job. In Bette and Bob’s home, a picture is displayed saying, “And in the end, it’s not the years in a life, it’s the life in the years” and she lived this motto precisely. Bette only had 69 years on this earth, but she filled it with much love and laughter like dressing up as the Easter Bunny and other silly costumes, many pranks, and embarrassing her nieces and nephews every chance she had. Bette treasured her evenings with her neighbors while sharing a bottle or two of Stella beer and telling stories. Bob and Bette’s dogs also brought her immense joy. The couple was never without a Doberman or Vizsla, she would complain about her pesty dogs and then turn around telling funny stories about them. The dogs were always family and a huge part of her life. Her two Vizsla’s, Piper and Bailey, will definitely miss their mom immensely. Bette was always talking and if she was quiet, it probably meant she was causing trouble. We will miss her sayings like “See how you are”, her singing, laughter and the thousands of text messages when her friends and loved ones were traveling. Bette’s life is an inspiration and a great example for all of us on living life to the fullest and choosing joy. Not one to complain, but rather saw the rainbows through life’s storms. Her toughness, zeal for life and laughter will always be remembered. She truly was one of a kind; a true gem. She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, Bob, her siblings Don (Diane), Dick (Leona), Eugene (Margaret), Larry (Joan) and Beverly, many nieces and nephews and their children, and many great friends who have been by her side. We all have peace knowing Bette finally made it home safely and is now in the loving arms of Jesus where cancer can no longer touch her. Bette always loved butterflies and dragonflies and always said if we saw one, it was just her saying “Hello.” She will always be remembered and we are certain the world was a better place with her in it. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Providence Cancer Center at 500 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802.  Bette's Memorial Celebration will be held at her home, Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at 5895 Keil Loop. Missoula.

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