Tammy Bethurem

Tammy Sue Ann Thompson was born in Oceanside, California, on August 5, 1958. If you knew Tammy, you knew she was a California girl through and through. Although Tammy spent several years in Minnesota, her heart always belonged to California. Her family eventually returned to The Golden State, where she attended high school in Norco, and later lived in Oceanside and Santa Ana. She loved the beach and Disneyland, and all the things that made California feel like home.

Tammy met Randall Bethurem in Billings, Montana in 1977, while visiting her Aunt Carolyn. They married in 1978 and together they had five wonderful, amazing, smart, beautiful children born from 1980 to 1990. Although their marriage later ended, the family they created was one of Tammy’s greatest sources of pride and joy.

Tammy spent half her adult life working as a travel agent at Mr. Mick’s, Farwest, and Cook Travel agencies, but as the industry started seeing changes in the 90’s, she began working at Walmart where she worked for more than 25 years. And while maybe not her true calling, she loved seeing people she knew or who knew her kids and helping her customers.

The friendships Tammy had meant the world to her. She was fiercely loyal to the people she loved and carried those relationships with her for years. People were drawn to her warmth, humor, honesty, and the way she made them feel welcome. She may not always have seen the impact she had on others, but the people who loved her certainly did.

She spent many years leading her daughters’ Girl Scout troops. She allowed them to be the kind of Girl Scouts they wanted - the ones that liked cooking and crafts and who earned money to take a troop trip to the biggest shopping mall.

She was smart, quick-witted, and fun. She liked margaritas and loved to read. She was rarely intimidated by much of anything, which is probably why she thought middle schoolers were the best. And, if there was any doubt in an argument, she was right- except that one time when someone really did come in the house and walk out with all that pop. 

But more than anything else, she was an incredible mom. She probably wouldn’t want her life summarized by motherhood alone, but it is impossible to talk about Tammy without talking about the way she loved her children. 

She was her children’s loudest supporter. Whether it was sports, school events, performances, or milestones, Tammy was there. She celebrated every win, sat beside them through every disappointment, and never stopped believing in them. 

She made sure that all her children knew that the world was so much bigger than right where they were, but also that she would always be their home. She somehow was the perfect balance of free will and screw around and find out.

She also always had a safe place for any friend that needed it. Anyone that came over was just another one of her kids and that meant she had a hug and a lecture ready at any moment for any one of them. 

She was also incredibly selfless. Through years that were not always easy, she somehow made sure her children never went without and never missed out. Looking back, they still aren’t sure how she pulled it off, but she did.

Blessed with seven grandchildren, Grandma Tammy had a special way of making each of them feel loved. She always gave the best presents, always had a treat waiting, and was the best toy sitter and toy doctor.

She always knew just what to say… or not to say. There isn’t anyone her children admire more. She was adored beyond measure.

If you wish to remember Tammy or honor her, we ask that in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made to the Bethurem Legacy Trust Scholarship, established by her children to honor the sacrifices she made to give them the best education possible. The scholarship is awarded annually to a single-parent student at Billings Central Catholic High School. Donations can be made out to Bethurem Legacy Trust and mailed to Colter Bethurem at 2202 Colton Blvd., Billings, Montana 59102.

Donations may also be made in her name to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Her love and admiration for her fathers and their service never left her. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Tammy was preceded in death by her father Doyle Thompson and stepmother Tieko Thompson.

She is survived by her children Alissa Bethurem, Priscella (Armando) Rodriguez, Brandy (Adam) Harras, Robert Bethurem, and Colter (Carly) Bethurem; her grandchildren, Saxton and Cora Miller, Lottie and Savannah Rodriguez, Hayes Harras, and Carter and Clark Bethurem; her mom and dad Connie and Jim Schauss; her sisters, Alison (Rob) Manzanares, and Melisse (Doug) Huffmaster; and many beloved nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. 

A funeral Mass will be held for Tammy on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Billings, Montana, with a lunch reception to follow in the church hall.