"Betty” Bernice Triplett (Hammill)

"Betty” Bernice Triplett (Hammill)

Cedar Rapids

"Betty” Bernice Triplett (Hammill), 99 of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully at The Gardens in Fairfax, Iowa on Sunday, January 28, 2024. A private family burial and a celebration of life will be held this summer at Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell, Montana. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre is in charge of local arrangements.

Betty was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Carl and Ruth Blake on August 6, 1924. Betty attended Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids. Betty went on to Dental assistant training in Des Moines.

In 1943 Betty married William H. Hammill in Fresno, California. Betty was a devoted mother who with her husband’s help, lovingly raised three boys and a special niece, Patty Blake-Cluff. Betty and Howdie were married for forty-five years. They lived in Cedar Rapids and in 1988 they moved to Montana. William H. Hammill died in December of 1999. In 2001 Betty and Thomas “Tom” Triplett were married and lived in Whitefish, Montana. They spent sixteen years together exploring Montana, spending time with family and friends and enjoying each other's company. Tom died in August of 2017.

Betty was so much to so many over the years. If you knew her, you witnessed pure love, kindness, patience and the most sparkling simplicity. You had her full, undivided attention when visiting with her. Never a distraction or an interruption, just her wholehearted self. An hour seemed like a minute with her, it was never enough time. Her home was your home, and you would no doubt be spoiled with a home-cooked meal and often a Montana huckleberry pie. Betty loved getting her hands dirty in the flower beds, refinishing antiques, popcorn with plenty of butter and her coffee black with three sugars of course.

Betty is survived by Kal Hammill of Solon, Iowa, Gary “Doc” Hammill (Cathi Greatorex) of St. Ignatius, Montana. Five grandchildren, Doug Hammill (Erin) of Solon, Iowa, Julie and Travis Mueller of Amana, Iowa, Curt and Ruth Hammill of Missoula, Montana, Chet Hammill (Sarka Beckett) of Portland, Oregan, Shane and Jacqueline Hammill of Portland, Oregon and a special daughter in-law Barb Hammill of Portland, Oregon. Betty also had several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her son Dennis Hammilll, her mother Ruth Graft, her father Carl Blake, her brothers Ray Blake and Bill Blake, her husbands William H. Hammill and Thomas Triplett.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.