Bette Ann (Love) Breitling

Bette Ann (Love) Breitling, of Portland, died Friday March 24 of natural causes surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Breitling. Bette is survived by her children: Beth Robley (Dale), Brooks Clutter (Jill), Claudia Mederos (Gary McLaughlin); stepdaughter Donna Breen; granddaughter Laela Wilding-McMurray (Todd) and their children Finn (age 18) and Vivian (age 13).

Bette Ann Love was born in Portland to Ralph Love and Anna Elizabeth Egger. Here she attended grammar school and graduated from Jefferson HS, followed by two years at Lewis and Clark College. She worked for Bankers Life Insurance Co.

She married Robert I. Clutter in 1948. Beth Ann was their first-born. The family then moved to New Westminster BC, where Brooks came along, followed by Claudia. After divorce, Bette and the children resided in NE Portland with extended family. Here Bette worked for Portland Public School District.

She was married to Lee Breitling in 1962, until his death in 2009. His daughter, Donna Breen lives in Boise, ID.

When retired, Lee and Bette had fun traveling in their fifth-wheeler (trailer) meeting up with friends and family, and just enjoying life. They took pride in their home of 50 years on SE Salmon Street where they took daily walks with their dog Benson, until old age interfered.

Bette was a skilled amateur artist who especially enjoyed china/porcelain painting in her later years. Bette also loved nature. When she was younger, she once surprised us by naming tree species as we walked through the Audubon Sanctuary. As she grew older she never tired of commenting on cloud formations and trees, their colors and shapes. Although she wasn’t a dancer, dance was a secret passion. She tuned in to music on her transistor daily.

When recalling Bette’s nature, the words “sweet, sweet, sweet” come up and “gentle soul” is often used to describe her. Even as she grew frail, she maintained a smile, never complained, and seemed amazingly happy. She was exceptionally patient, tolerant, kind, and gentle and delighted in a good laugh.

We call her Mom, Mama, Grandma Bette. And we will always recall her as dear, lovely and beloved.