Michelle Ottem

Michelle “Mickey” Ottem passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. Mickey was born on May 25, 1950 to Rachael Bender and James D. Sheehan, in Billings, Montana. Her mother Rachael was a long time cook at the Vegas Club and her father James “Jim” Sheehan served in the USAF in Korea and played in the 431st USAF Band until 1951, then worked for various trucking companies before becoming a Driving Supervisor for MET Transit. Mickey was the baby of three and the only girl. They grew up in Lockwood, then eventually moved to Billings. She married Howard Polen in June of 1968 and had two children, Richard and Christine. Howard and Mickey split in 1974. Mickey worked hard to raise her two children. She worked as a bartender and a bookkeeper at the American Legion Post #4 for several years where she eventually met William “Bill” Ottem, Jr. They were married on August 17, 1989, which was one of the happiest days of her life. She had found the love of her life, and felt like her family was whole. Mickey had gained a step-daughter, Leanne (Ernie) Dutton and a step-son, Wade Ottem. She had become a grandmother earlier with the birth of her first grandchild, Kariann “Kaby”. Soon after, Mickey would attend her son's wedding, and welcomed her first grandson Tristan. Then 17 months later, her second grandson Shea was born. After calling Bingo and doing bookkeeping at the Empire and the Emporium, she helped her daughter work special events at Albertsons, eventually working in the deli at Albertsons. After a while, Mickey quit working for a while so her and Bill could travel. They enjoyed taking cruises to the Caribbean and to various locations. They spent weekends at their cabin on the Stillwater and visiting friends in Sedona, Arizona or to Kissimmee, Florida. In October 2003, her third grandson Coy was born. Mickey enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards and watching SciFi shows. Mickey returned to the work force part-time, as a cashier at Don's Car Wash, for five years. She enjoyed talking to the regular customers that came in to say hello. Mickey would spend time at Nickel Ante casino on 13th after work and got to know the people there and they became very special to her when her husband became ill. They helped her release her grief. Mickey is preceded in death by her parents James and Rachael; half brother Gary Bender; step-son Wade Ottem; and her beloved husband William “Bill” Ottem, Jr. She is survived by her son Richard “Ross” (Angela) Polen and children Tristan, Shea and Coy; daughter Christine (Josh) Guisti and child Kariann “Kaby” Polen; step-daughter Leanne (Ernie) Dutton and children Carly (Charlie) Lusky, Katie and Cody Dutton. Mickey was a very kind and giving soul who will be very missed. Mom, we will always love you and you will forever be in our hearts. Memorial Services will be held 11:00am Friday, January 23, at Dahl Funeral Chapel, with a luncheon to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Helping Hands, 1302 24th St W. #200 in Billings, (800) 216-2715; or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements are in the care of the staff at Dahl Funeral Chapel, and memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.