Palma Bertelson Obituary

Palma Evelyn Bertelson, 85, of Billings, passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004 at St. Vincent Healthcare. She was surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born the daughter of Edward and Anne Odegard on March 15, 1918 in Minneapolis, Minn., the third of four children. She married Donald M. Bertelson on July 12, 1941 in San Diego, Calif. After his discharge from the Navy in October 1945, they moved to Billings. Don formed Yellowstone Paper Co. Palma was a dedicated mother and homemaker. After the children went through grade school, she began working for Yellowstone Paper as the bookkeeping/secretary until her retirement in 1984.
Palma enjoyed many different activities during her lifetime. She was active in Junior Women's Club, Opti-Mrs., Elks Club, bowling and golf leagues. She was a member and volunteer at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. In her youth, Palma was an excellent ice skater. In the springtime she loved working in her yard and had a green thumb for plants. Mom loved going out dancing, going to ball games to watch her son and grandchildren play, and watching all sports on TV.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Don, in 1976; daughter, Lynda A. Jensen, in 1999; and her two brothers, Albert and Maurice Odegard.
She is survived by two daughters, Donna (Curt) Farrier, Kalispell, and Judy (John) Tripp, Billings; and one son, Jerry (Linda) Bertelson, Billings. She leaves behind seven loving grandchildren, Britta (Billy) Conrad, Klamath Falls, Ore., Kirk (Keri) Jensen, Vancouver, Wash., Ryan Tripp, Bozeman, Allison Tripp, Billings, Brooke Bertelson, Seattle, Wash., Brock Bertelson, Chandler, Ariz., and Becca Bertelson, Grand Junction, Colo. Palma has two great-grandchildren, Jessica and Will Conrad, Oregon that provided many moments of joy. Palma will miss all her friends that have been so kind and thoughtful and they will miss her also.
Mom, we will always love you and will miss you terribly. Keep that wonderful smile.
A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Dahl Funeral and Cremation Service at 10 Yellowstone Ave., Billings. Interment will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 3545 So. Tamarac Drive, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80237-1428, or to the charity of your choice.