Bette Garlow

My sister received a call two weeks ago from a family friend. It was the ex-husband who was trying to reach my parents. His former wife was having problems with her chemotherapy, and was getting very sick quickly. She’d had, and known about her melanoma for several years, but had made amazing strides to accomplish something with her time. She’d finished law school after the divorce, raised two children, and has been very active in domestic violence law since.

My parents met her while volunteering at a women’s shelter. They’ve both been active in forwarding domestic violence awareness, and have had a wonderful friendship during that time. Its sad to hear of her death, but warming to know someone who has made the most of her turn, and shed some light into the lives of so many.

4 thoughts on “Bette Garlow”

  1. Hey Andy! I was searching goolgle for Mom’s name tonight and I came across this. It was surprising to find, but also made me realize how much everyone cared about Mom! I hope all is well with you! Take care!

  2. Hi Andy, I was just thinking about my Aunt today and decided to google her name. I see my cousin has left you a message, too. Its good to know that she touched so many people’s lives. Thanks for the kind thoughts.

  3. I just heard the news about your mom Bette Garlow. I couldn’t stop crying. Words can’t express my sorry of her passing. I met her through a Missoula prosecutor, Judy Wang, who referred her to me for my case. In 1996, I left an O.J. Simpson type– and was pregnant with my fourth child, my three others were under the age of six. Bette came all the way from Wyoming to meet with me and provide expert testimony on my case. I had little money to pay her except for her expenses. Bette came to my house and we rode my horses together and talked about our children. She went out of her way to help me. When my lawyers let me down, she gave me the courage to go it alone, pro se. I went on to win two Supreme Court cases, one a landmark case for battered women around the country. Bette was always there for me whenever I called. She invited me out to be a speaker at a conference on civil justice for battered women in 1998. I believe that was the year she learned of the growth on her back. I am still fighting to obtain justice for myself and my children– as I am now confronting another sexist, gender biased judge, through the bankruptcy court in Montana to obtain my property. Bette was the one person in the legal system that started me on the road to justice. The last time I called to reach her at the ABA in DC, they said she had left due to her health. I hoped that my cards reached her, but I never found out. I continually prayed for her when I learned the news of the cancer.
    If I ever get my book written, and hopefully a screenplay, Bette is going to be in there if nothing else in my dedication. Bette had a profound impact on my life at a time in my life when I was hopeless and powerless. My four children and I are thankful that she came into our lives at just the right time. She taught me to be a survivor!! I pray for Bette’s girls, most of all they will fill the void in their hearts for their mom with the only one who can satisfy it– the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe he brought Bette to me– and he will use me to continue Bette’s fight.

    Sincerely,

    Ruth Drollinger

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