Bertyl B (Baker) O'Connor

Bertyl B. O’Connor, 106, a Great Falls native and former resident of Neihart and Whitefish, passed away at Mountain View Manor in Eureka, MT on November 7, 2023.  She is survived by son Michael (Donelle), grandson Scott O’Connor (Karla), great granddaughters Chelsie and Shelby, great great grandson Asher, former daughter-in-law June O’Conner (Scott’s mother), and several nieces and nephews.

Bertyl was born December 14, 1916, in Great Falls, the seventh child of Bart Baker and Stella Willard Baker.  She attended the Ursuline Academy through the grades and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1935.  Bertyl married Frank O’Connor of Neihart in August of 1935.  During Frank’s naval service, she earned a diploma from Northwest Hotel Management and worked in San Francisco.

They owned and operated Bob’s Bar in Neihart until 1961, then moved to Whitefish, and then to Las Vegas for two years, managing Lone Palm Motel and Trailer Court.  They then moved back to Whitefish.  Bertyl retired as housekeeping manager at Ptarmigan Village in 1978.

Frank died shortly after their 58th wedding anniversary in 1993.  At that point, Bertyl moved to Eureka and kept busy at the furniture store and laundromat.  She enjoyed cooking and needlework.

Bertyl will be remembered as “Blackie” a friendly, thoughtful lady.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, 7 sisters and a brother.  She was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.  Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. 

Bertyl will be buried next to her husband, Frank, at Glacier Memorial Gardens cemetery, with Funeral Mass at a later date.  Many thanks to the Mountain View Manor staff for Bertyl’s care her last years.  Services are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Eureka, MT.  Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.

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