Sandra Bettise

Sandra Mariann Bettise, lovingly known as Sandy, was born on August 11, 1958, and peacefully entered Heaven on September 26, 2026, surrounded by love.

Sandy was born to Victor and Elizabeth Lohrenz and was the youngest of five children. Being the baby and only girl in the family, her brothers quickly gave her the nickname “Sam,” a name that stayed with her throughout her life.

After graduating from Billings Central Catholic High School, Sandy began her career in food service at St. Vincent’s Hospital Cafeteria. She then moved to the management team at Deaconess Hospital (Billings Clinic) before landing her final role in food service management with the Billings Public Schools.

During her years with the school district, Sandy helped ensure that thousands of children in our community were well fed, bringing the same care and dedication to her work that she brought to her own family. Feeding others was one of the ways she showed love, and generations of children benefited from the heartfelt work she did each day.

If there was a family gathering, chances were that Sandy was behind it. She loved cooking, especially for her family, organizing get-togethers, and making sure everyone was well fed and surrounded by love. Her generosity seemed endless, and she had an infectious laugh and smile that lit up a room. She loved dancing, bowling, UTV outings and adventures, and spending time with the people she loved.

Sandy had an incredibly strong faith and an unwaveringly positive outlook on life. Even after being diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), she never once complained. Despite the challenges she faced, she continued to find reasons to smile, laugh, love, and show gratitude. Her faith carried her through her struggle, and she faced each day with a strength and positivity that inspired everyone who knew her.

Best of all, there were Sandy hugs.  If you were lucky enough to receive one, you know exactly what they meant. Sandy didn’t give little hugs; she hugged with her whole heart, so, in her honor, if you’re going to hug someone, hug like Sandy- and hug like you mean it.

In 1985, Sandy married Shawn Bettise, and together they welcomed two sons, Zeb (Kayla) and Sam Bettise. Although Sandy and Shawn divorced in 2009, they remained good friends and continued to share a lasting bond through their love of their boys and later, granddaughter, Soli Bettise. Sandy was a proud grandma, and Soli had a special way of making her light up every time she saw her. 

Sandy shared her remaining years with her longtime partner, Skip Heimbichner, who was by her side through life’s many adventures and challenges. Sandy and Skip joined their lives together, and she became a cherished part of Skip’s family, embracing his children, A.J. (Angela) Heimbichner and Maggie (Kris) Hier, and his grandson, Kash, as her own. 

Sandy was especially close with a wonderful group of friends affectionately known as the Pug’s Girls, with whom she shared countless laughs, adventures, and memories. She also treasured the close bond she shared with a special group of cousins. When Sandy and Skip joined their lives together, that circle grew even wider. She became not only part of Skip’s immediate family, but also part of his entire extended family and close circle of friends, creating lasting relationships and memories and becoming a loved and cherished part of so many lives.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Vic and Liz Lohrenz; sister-in-law Joyce Lohrenz; and nephew Kyle Lohrenz. She is survived by her children, Samuel and Zebulon (Kayla) Bettise; grandaughter, Soleil Bettise; partner, Skip Heimbichner and his children, A.J. (Angela) Heimbichner and Maggie (Kris & Kash) Hier; brothers, Terry Lohrenz; Tom (Judy) Lohrenz; Dick (Holly) Lohrenz; and Don (Kim) Lohrenz; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Sandy’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon & Pat White and her numerous caregivers for the love, compassion, and care they gave her.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Canvas Church (550 32nd St. W., Billings, MT, 59102), followed by a Celebration of Life at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center. In honor of Sandy, the family asks that you do not wear black at her service. She loved yellow, orange, and bright colors, and would love for her celebration of life to be filled with the color and happiness she brought into the lives of others. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sandy’s memory to CurePSP, 325 Hudson Street, Floor 4, New York, NY 10013, or to an organization of your choice.