Betty Rose Fulford

Betty Rose Fulford, 94, of Lewistown passed away Friday morning, September 9th, 2016 in the Central Montana Nursing & Rehab Center of natural causes. She was born May 30th, 1922 in Swanton, NE the daughter of Joseph J. and Josephine (Zwonecek) Kuldacek. At the age of 3 she moved to Eureka, CA with her family and then to Kalama, WA. Betty Rose attended Kelso Schools until she graduated with honors.

In her late teens, she became ill with rheumatic fever. At her doctors’ advice, she moved to San Diego, CA near her brother who was in the Navy. It was at this time she answered the war effort by becoming a “Rosie the Riveter” by riveting the skins on military aircrafts, when the men went off to war. Thus she served her country as a member of the greatest generation. While in California, she met the love of her life, James Fulford who was from Louisiana. He was serving in the Nay aboard aircraft carriers and stationed in California. They were married in 1943 and their first child arrived while Jim was overseas.

Betty Rose accepted Christ as a young child and her faith sustained her while Jim was at war. It was because of her deep faith she made sure her husband and 4 children came to know and trust the Lord as well.

She served as church secretary and later as the building department secretary in Longview, WA until she and Jim retired to Bigfork, MT in 1978. She lived there until Jim passed away in 2007, then moved to Lewistown to be near her daughter.

She loved the outdoors, hiking, camping, gardening and especially fishing with her sons. She was an avid reader and wrote several novels for which her daughter is seeking publication. Her family remembers her for her unconditional love and support, nurturing, unflagging optimism, humor and inspiration.

She stepped into heaven preceded in death by her husband, one grandson, one great grandson, one brother and her parents.

She is survived by her children Linda (Del) Bradford of Olympia, WA, Rosemary (Jim) Lafever of Lewistown, MT, Kirk (Debbie) Fulford of Bigfork, MT and Brian (Gina) of Kalispell, MT; 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one on the way and one great great grandchild with another on the way and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Betty Rose Fulford with an open house held on Saturday, October 8th, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Bigfork Chapel, 290 Swan Highway Bigfork, MT. Cremation has taken place with the Cloyd Funeral Home assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to Gideon International P.O. Box 1305, Kalispell, MT 59901, or Hospice of Central Montana or the charity of their choice and they may be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home.