Betty Coriell

Polson resident Betty Ardell Coriell, age 93, passed away Dec. 11, 2022. While we may mourn, Betty often talked about the excitement for Heaven, being in the arms of Jesus and reuniting with her beloved husband, Earl Coriell, who she missed for 301 days.

Betty was born in Billings to Martin and Kay Gloudeman on July 14, 1929. She grew up mostly in Forsyth but spent a couple of years near Brownsville, Texas, before returning to Forsyth. She moved to Deer Lodge her senior year and graduated from Powell County High School. She married Sam Beck and enjoyed her life as a rancher’s wife and mother. This marriage ended in divorce.

Betty then married Dr. Earl Coriell on July 3, 1966. They would soon build their home on Flathead Lake where they would spend 56 years together. Betty was a phenomenal cook who expanded her culinary skills throughout her life. She enjoyed hosting large family get togethers, Supper Club gatherings, cooking with grandchildren, or just preparing supper for Earl.

At their beautiful home overlooking Flathead Lake, Betty often started her mornings off with a crossword puzzle which obviously contributed to her sharp mind. Both she and Earl loved traveling. A world map dotted with pins for locations they had traveled to hung on their hallway wall. Betty would pick Australia and South Africa as her favorite trips.

A passionate reader of the Bible she felt blessed to have been able to travel through the Holy Land with her church group twice. She loved gem hunting in Eastern Montana. She would turn over rocks without any fear of the potential rattlesnake seeking shelter.

During the winters, Betty skied the slopes of Big Mountain in Whitefish until a wreck ended her skiing days. She was always up for a game of bridge and played her final game just days before entering the hospital. The family hopes if you’re a bridge player, next time you play you think of Betty.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, daughters Marilyn (Tom) Weingart and Janet (Wayne) Womack, son-in-law James (Rita) Chase, and her husband, Earl Coriell.

Betty is survived by their children Karen Beck Vergeront (Chip), Rita Coriell Chase, Steve Beck (Sharon), Randy Coriell (Olivia), and Brian Beck, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who all feel they were blessed to know her at their age.

She leaves many friends including Billie Mercer, a friend of over 75 years. They first met in Deer Lodge as young ladies. Then they were neighbors to each other in Missoula, before settling in Polson. The last few months they were both residents of St. Joseph Assisted Living.

The family greatly appreciates the staff and facility of St. Joseph Assisted Living Center where both Earl and Betty lived comfortably. A special thank you goes to the staff of the second floor at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson for the care they provided.

A memorial service for Betty will be held on Jan. 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, please memorialize our mother with a donation to the organization of your choice or the Coriell Institute for Medical Research. This institute was founded by Earl’s brother Lewis. Donations can be accepted at coriell.org. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.