Bettie May (Ferrin) Bannister, 74, of Malad, Idaho, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024, holding her husband’s hand from complications of a stroke at the University of Utah Hospital. 

 Bettie was born November 20, 1949, in Yuma, Arizona, the daughter of Dale and Arvella (Whitmer) Ferrin. In her youth, she worked at her daddy’s Dairy Queen, volunteered at the hospital and traveled the world folk dancing. She was swept off her feet by a young marine, Charles (Chuck) Wilson Bannister, whom she married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on November 23,1968. Bettie and Chuck built their lives in Pocatello, Idaho, where they raised 2 sons and 6 daughters. Bettie’s family was the focus of her life. If you knew her, you know her favorite phrase: “I love my family!” Bettie leaves behind an incredible legacy of motherhood, love, and service exemplified in her 65 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She knows and loves each one. 

 Bettie spent her life feeding the masses. Whether it was at girl’s camp, the young single adults, the International Choral Festival, or her large family and all the neighborhood children, she had a talent for feeding and loving in large quantities. She was a gifted artist, and she spent a lifetime learning and perfecting her craft. She sculpted, drew, painted and eagerly taught anyone wanting to learn. She spent years traveling, camping and enjoying nature with her husband. All she wanted was to spend time with Chuck and she did up to her last moment.  

 She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she loved serving. She found deep friendships, love, and strength in the community, along with an unwavering faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 Bettie is survived by her beloved husband Chuck Bannister and their eight children: Chad (Teresea) Bannister of Pocatello, ID; Cassie (Clayton) Clevenger of Afton, WY; Jamie (Craig) Jacaway of Malad, ID; Kelley (Brad) Spencer of Pendleton, OR; David (Jamie Lynn) Bannister of Pocatello, ID; Bettie (Lance) Stevenson of Rupert, ID; Amy (Tyler) Moore of Pocatello, ID; and Michele (Brody) Holyoak of Pocatello, ID. She is also survived by her siblings, Dewane (JoAnna) Ferrin of Pocatello, ID and Ruth (Ben) Cockrell of Chandler, AZ. 

 She is preceded in death by her daddy, Dale, mother, Arvella, and sister, Diana Ferrin Watson.

The family would like to express immense gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Utah Hospital for the love and care you showed to our mom and our family. 

 The funeral was held Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in Pocatello, Idaho, at 11:00 a.m. at the Alameda Stake Center (930 E Alameda Rd). A viewing for friends and family was held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. that morning. The burial took place at the Malad City Cemetery at approximately 2:00 p.m.