Elizabeth Ann Normandeau Samsel, affectionately known as Bette Ann, passed away at 90 years old, in her home in the early morning of August 20th with her husband of 69 years at her side, Bill Samsel. 

What a big name for such a beautiful little lady. Bette was born in Ronan, MT at Miller Birthing Home on Round Butte Road on December 7, 1935 to parents Rupert and Lorena Normandeau. Bette was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. She graduated co-salutatorian in 1954 from Ronan High School. Bill and Bette married at 20 years old in 1956, and shortly after marrying, Bill and Bette moved to San Diego, CA, where Bill was stationed for the US Navy. Later, they returned to Montana where they re-opened the Bison Cafe in Ravalli, MT, which they operated from 1957 to 1960. Bette and Bill adopted their first son, Rex Samsel in 1964, and their second son, Dave Samsel in 1966. Bette attended classes at the University of Montana from 1954-56, and again in 1975-76, before graduating from the St. Patrick Hospital School of Nursing in 1978. Bette worked in nursing for 20 years, splitting her time between serving as the Staff RN for cardiovascular services, special care, cardiovascular rehabilitation, and occupational health services. Bette and Bill also established the Coriacan Village Mobile Home Park in Evaro in 1972, and functioned as co-managers and owners for over thirty years. Bette and Bill continued to live on Coriacan Lane for several years, before moving into Missoula in 2020. Bette was baptized Catholic and an active member of the Arlee Sacred Heart Church, in addition to several civic involvements including the Arlee Brown Building Committee, Jocko Valley Community Library, and the Arlee Senior Citizens Center. 

Bette is preceded in death by her parents, Rupert and Lorena Normandeau, and youngest sister, Jenette Cohen. 

Bette is survived by her loving husband, Bill Samsel; children, Rex Samsel (Janel), Dave Samsel (Lisa); grandchildren, Jordan Ball, Sharayah Smith (TJ Baker), Jessalyn Levesque (Cory), Kaylee Samsel, and Jace Samsel; great-grandchildren, Nathan Sheets and Addalynn Smith; siblings, Gracia Jones (Ivor d. 2026) and Jim Normandeau (Colleen); in addition to many loving extended family members.

Services will be held at the Arlee Sacred Heart Church on August 28, 2026 at 10:30 am. Reception to follow at the Arlee Brown Building. Burial will be at 2:30 pm at the Catholic cemetery in St. Ignatius.