On December 27, 2010 after a valiant 34 month battle with cancer, Elizabeth “Betty” Virginia Tuffli (Cooley) of East Helena, left this earth to be with her heavenly Father.
She was born on June 8, 1933 in Friendly, Maryland to Paul and Ruth Cooley, the third of six children. She was raised and attended school in Brandywine, MD. While working as a secretary/stenographer at Andrews AFB, M.D., she met the love of her life, John Tuffli, a staff sergeant in the Air Force. John and Betty were married in Clinton, MD in 1954 and began their life together traveling throughout the world and building their family. In 1972, after their last overseas tour of duty in Japan, the Tuffli family settled in East Helena, MT where John and Betty made a home for the last 38 years.
After the children were grown, she worked at Drug Fair, JCPenney and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MT. Lovingly known as “Betty Boop,” she was petite in stature but big in heart; no doubt the matriarch but many times, mistaken for one of the kids. A more loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother couldn’t be found. Betty loved her family, especially the new babies. She always had a smile, an infectious giggle, a kind word for everyone and was notorious for putting everyone’s needs ahead of her own . . . this did not change while suffering with her illness.
In addition to caring for her family, Betty was an avid seamstress, making most of her children’s clothing in their younger years. Betty channeled her creativity through many years of doing ceramics, arts and crafts. Her family still enjoys the art she created. Betty was an active member of the East Helena Methodist Church and loved singing in the choir, until her illness prevented her from doing so. She was always available to help with church functions and sent cards to ill members of the church.
“Honey, Mom and Grandma, we will miss you more than you know but you have left a part of you in all of us, and for that we are blessed.” Given the chance, Betty’s parting words would have been, “Have fun but not too much.”
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marian Beck and an infant son, Norman Greg. Betty is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, John; her six children, Robert Tuffli (Berneice), Carol Fox (Bill Torgerson), Linda Herrington (Dean), Elaine Tuffli, Gary Tuffli , Dini Scharf (Eric); 12 grandchildren, Billie Jo Johnson (Chris ), Lisa Hahn (Mike), Nick Fox (Tiffany Reeves), Caleb Herrington, Loren Herrington, Dani Rae Tuffli (Will Martin), Kayla Redmond , Kelsey Redmond and Kevin Redmond, Jack Scharf, David Scharf, Erica Scharf (Brian); and six great-grandchildren, Mackenzie McMillan, Payton McMillan, Josh Hahn, Koby Tuffli, Marlee Marrie Fox, Huey Lewis Hearty. She is also survived by her three sisters, Louisa Ward, Alice Greniger, Ruth Inman (William); and her brother, Paul Jr. Cooley (Doris).
Viewing will take place on Sunday, Jan 2, 2011 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 650 Logan Street. Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 3, 2011 at East Helena United Methodist Church , 50 Prickly Pear Ave., East Helena, with a reception to follow. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison for those wishing to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
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Amber Ireland says
Dini, Elaine & all the Tuffli Family…I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I’ll be remembering you and praying for your continued strength. God Bless!
Amber Ireland
Anna says
Dini and Family,
My sincere condolences for the loss of your kind, caring and compassionate mother. She put up with me as a child and was always kind to me through good times and bad. My fondest memory is Dini and I lip-syncing “Radar Love” with head phones on in her living room and dancing wildly at the age of 12, and Mrs. Tuffli just shaking her head. . . Love, Anna
Bill Torgerson says
I am so sorry that I cannot be there with my new family. I am thinking of you all and will have you in my thoughts Monday.
Brian J. Lannan says
John, Carol, Linda, Elaine, Gary, Robert and Dini, We are sorry to here of the loss of Betty. Although I only met her on a couple of occasions, I saw what a caring wife, mother and grandmother she was by knowing the Tuffli family.
We will keep the Tuffli family in our daily prayers.
With sincere sympathy,
Brian, Alexis, Lindsey & Lauren Lannan
chuck butler says
Elaine,Carol and Dini, Loved
your mom. She was always so kind and friendly. My sympathies to you ad your families.
chuck
Connie & Tim Ferriter says
John, Carol, Linda, Elaine, Gary, Robert and Dini,
We are so sorry to here of the loss of your mother. I always remember Betty as a very caring mother and very soft spoken. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless All of You.
DAWN WILSON says
DINI, GARY AND FAMILY,
I am so sorry for you loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting your Mother, but I’m sure she was a very caring, giving person and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Dee Barfknecht says
To the entire Tuffli family,
I was so sorry to learn about the loss of your wonderful Mom. She raised such an incredible family…..you’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Dee Barf.
Don Kessler says
Dini and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeff McMillan says
Betty was a wonderful woman! And will deeply missed! I’m thankful that I had the privilege to be part of the Tuffli family!!
kathleen morrison says
Carol, Elaine & Linda…. I just wanted to send my condolences to you all. I know you will miss your Mom and am thinking of you. She must have been an amazing woman to raise such a great family. God’s peace to you all.
Hugs,
Kathy (Doubek) & Bob Morrison
Kelli Thorbergson Kaufman says
Elaine and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristi (Doggett) Gersch says
I was sorry to hear about your mom. Having lost my mom in 1996 to cancer makes me understand the bond that continues after death and the hope that will be the same bond for all of you. I have not seen your mom since 1974. A lifetime ago! My sympathy goes out to all of you. Kristi Doggett Gersch
Lori Hedberg says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts during this most difficult time.
Mary Gegenhuber says
Dini, Elaine, Carol, and John: I am so sorry to hear about Betty and wish I could be there with you today. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord give you strength during this difficult time.
Sara Knigge says
Elaine, Dini, Carol and family..my thoughts and prayers are with you .. sending you my deepest sympathies and love.
Tina Crum says
To the Whole Tuffli Clan,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Betty was an amazing woman and I know she will be deeply missed. May the Lord Bless You and Keep you Close during this difficult time.
Much Love,
Tina
Wendy Morgan says
I just wanted to let you know i am thinking about you & your family.I did not know your Mom but have heard many wonderful Mom srories over the last 3 years of working with Linda. Take care.
Wendy Morgan
Arle says
Kim Gassiot / yeah! yeah! yeah!maren is beautiful (I mean the atuacl child and the name, too!). it is crazy, she doesn’t look like a canadian! please hug her and kiss her and tell her all about the folks back in texas that love her and will pray for her and can’t wait to meet her.suz, you are a rockstar! i can’t believe how quick it all went!we love y’all so much!kenny, kim,jonah, sydney, and baby ian