ANN BOETTCHER obituary

BIG SANDY - Ann Boettcher, 72, longtime Big Sandy resident, died Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2005, of complications of cancer.

A celebration-of-life service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Big Sandy at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Ann was born Feb. 18, 1933, to Earl James Pilkenton and Eva Ruth Klink at Glendale Research Hospital in California. Ann grew up and attended elementary, middle and high school in Glendale, Calif., graduating in 1950. After high school, she attended junior college for two years and then went to the University of California Santa Barbara and received a BA in physical education. Her first teaching job was in Santa Maria, Calif., where she taught for a couple of years.

She worked at several jobs until she married Robert Boettcher on Aug. 28, 1963. In 1966, they bought the farm from Robert's parents and lived there until 2004. Ann continued her education at Montana State University-Bozeman and Montana State University-Northern in Havre. She taught at Big Sandy High School for a period before they moved to the farm.

Ann was involved in many activities, including her church service as organist, choir member, lesson reader, greeter and, for many years, newsletter editor. Her next greatest interest was serving on the Chouteau County Library Board, which included being a part of the extensive addition to the library.

Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Robert; son, Earl; nephew, Joe (Marla) Cottier; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Eva; sister, Mary Mae; son, Richard; and father- and mother-in-law, Signe and Walter.

Memorials are suggested to the Gift of Life, Christ Lutheran Church and Chouteau County Library.

Benton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.