Bette-jo Simpson Buhler, 95, of Victoria passed away January 9, 2017. She was born May 2, 1921 in Olympia, Washington to Blanche Taylor and Jess Ray Simpson. She graduated from Annie Wright School in Tacoma, Washington in 1938 and from the University of Washington in 1942. She married Frank Sibley Buhler, Jr. on July 7, 1942. She and Frank moved to Victoria, Texas in 1948.
Bette-jo Buhler played a major role in building a statewide Republican party in Texas and was active in national Republican politics throughout her life. She was a leader in the 1961 campaign of Sen. John G. Tower, the first popularly elected Republican U.S. Senator from Texas. She served as co-chair of the Texas Republican Party and was a founding member of the Associated Republicans of Texas, serving on their board for 25 years. She was named by the National Republican Congressional Committee as the 2001 Republican of the Year.
Bette-jo Buhler was also active in a variety of other organizations. She joined the Seattle Junior League in 1945, and remained a sustaining member of the Victoria Junior League until her death. She helped start Trinity Episcopal School in Victoria, Texas and served on the board. She was Chairman of the Board of the Victoria Youth Activity Committee. She drove many miles over six weeks to organize a multi-county mental health organization, which began as the Child Study Clinic and developed into Gulf Bend Center. She worked diligently in an attempt to establish the University of Texas Medical Branch transplant facility in Victoria, Texas. She was also involved in the Victoria Symphony, the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho, and the Texas State University System Foundation.
Bette-jo Buhler was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Victoria, Texas and St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She retained her home in Hayden Lake, Idaho where she spent five summer months every year and was a member of the Hayden Lake Country Club. Her hobbies included reading, needlepoint, bridge and traveling.
Bette-jo Buhler is preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband, and by her brother, Jess Taylor Simpson. She is survived by her five children: Frank Sibley Buhler III, Leslee Kathryn "Honey" Alexander and her husband, the Honorable Lamar Alexander, Blanche Orbin "Bambi" Carter and her husband, Monty Carter, Jessica Weiland and her husband Cass Weiland and Bruce Taylor Buhler, 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, January 12, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapels, Victoria, Texas
Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Friday, January 13, 2017 at Trinity Episcopal Church with Reverend James Kee-Rees officiating.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Fred Lykes, Fred Lykes, Jr., Joe Cohen, Blake Shaw, Jay Lack, Stanley Schweke, David Engel, David Robinson, and Richard Logan.
Reception following the funeral service will be at her home for those who wish to console the family.
There will be a small memorial service in Hayden Lake, Idaho in early summer. The specifics on that service are not yet known.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or Trinity Episcopal School, 1504 N. Moody Street, Victoria, Texas, 77901, the Victoria Symphony, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Rosewood Funeral Chapel - Victoria.
January 6, 2023
Tom kuntz
Bette jo was always a great supporter of our local Jazz events
January 9, 2018
Norma Merrimon
January 9, 2018
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
January 29, 2017
Pat Robbins
As Executive Director of the Associated Republicans of Texas, I spent many hours discussing political issues with Bette Jo. She served on our Board for many years.
I remained good friends with her all of the years after....even visiting her at her beloved Hayden Lake.
This year's Christmas card said that she considered me part of her family. I certainly considered her part of mine!
My sincere condolences to her great family.
January 22, 2017
Kristin Sims
Dear Buhler Family,
We had no idea 11 years ago when we bought our home that one of its biggest blessings was the wonderful woman next door. Bette Jo became so dear to us and to all of our kids. She had such an amazing way of making us all feel special and important. We loved all the fun times we had with her over dinners and her competitive spirit playing games. She was one of a kind! We will miss her so much. Our summer's won't be the same, but we are blessed to have known her. Thank you for sharing her with us!
All our love and prayers,
The Sims Family
Bill, Kristi, Will, Maddie, Jack, Jed and Colt
January 19, 2017
Marilyn Otto
Jan. 19, 2017
To the Buhler family,
It was with great sadness to hear that Bette-jo had passed away. My late husband David and I were honored to be her friends. We met at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Coeur d'Alene. There will always be great memories of her summer visits, dinner parties and wonderful conversations. We considered her a gem of a lady! She will be missed and never forgotten.
My sincere sympathy is sent to all of you.
Marilyn Otto
Post Falls, Idaho
January 16, 2017
Lori Young
My dear Paco and family, I've just returned from a trip to see that you've lost your mother. I'm just crushed that I didn't get to see her one last time. She was such a wonderful part of my life and I so enjoyed working for her. Thank you for sharing her with me; there are just no words to explain my sadness for you and me.
January 16, 2017
Nancy Coffey
Feel so fortunate to have seen her this past July. What a woman! Nancy Coffey Nagler
January 15, 2017
Bob Holman
To the entire Buhler family,
Patti and I would like to offer our condolences concerning Bette-Jo's passing. Over the last 20 years we've been so fortunate to get to know many of you. Bette-jo always treated us like family and with my own mother's passing 10 years ago she became the closed person I had to a mother. We are so grateful for all the time we had with Bette-jo and all of you, both here in Idaho and during our visits to Victoria. Bette-jo was an incredible person who was always amazing, who I admired greatly and loved as a member of our family. I can only guess at the great depth of your loss but her zest for life, her love of people and her indomitable spirit will always be with us and comfort our loss. Also, I will forever miss being able to tell her an off color joke!
All our love,
Bob and Patti Holman
January 12, 2017
Tom Kuntz
Bette-jo was definately a supporter of Jazz music in our area here in Idaho. She loved the jazz standards. Our jazz combo Jazz Guyz loved playing for her party's. Our friend is truely missed.
We love you ,,,,Jazz Guyz
January 12, 2017
Joy & Danny Hoad
Paco: Joy and I grieve with you on the loss of your mother. We pray that God will comfort you during there difficult times and give you peace. Sorry that we are unable to be at the services, but we are with you in spirit. Rest assured she will be greatly missed. God Bless you and yours.
January 12, 2017
Kathy Mead
To Jessica and the Buhler family. Deepest sympathies on the death of your mother and my friend, Bette Jo. This was a picture taken off Cabo. Love. Kathy Mead, Dallas, TX
January 12, 2017
Craig Bolton
Bambi, I remember you and your family when we were next door neighbors growing up in Victoria. I read about your mother's passing in the Dallas Morning News yesterday and want to extend my sympathies to you and your family. As I read about your mother's interesting life, I saw that she had started Trinity Episcopal School where I attended first and second grade. Having lost my parents, I know what you are going through. You are in my prayers.
January 11, 2017
v
Our prayers go out to you Matthew 11. 28.
January 11, 2017
Precelia Brown
Dottie's friend
Precelia Brown
1-361-275-2423
January 11, 2017
Ricky & Carol Ann Lenz
We were deeply saddened to hear that Mrs. Buhler had passed away. We will miss seeing her at the Early Eucharist at Trinity Episcopal Church. She was such kind,gentle Christian woman. We
know that she will be missed by many
people. May God bless the entire Buhler family during your time of loss.
January 11, 2017
Carolyn
Although I didn't know Bette-jo, I just wanted to tell the family and friends how sorry I am for the loss of your loved one. Please know that your family will be in my prayers. (John 11:1-44)
January 11, 2017
Kathryn and Tim Hunt
We will very much miss Bette Jo's presence in our Hayden Lake, Idaho community where she spent her summers. She was a faithful communicant at St Luke's Episcopal Church where we would often see her at 8AM. Our friendships went back three generations in both families as Bette Jo and Frank knew my parents, Chet and Marabel Rodell and Bette Jo's parents knew my grandparents, Kittie and Foxy Edmonds. We feel as though we've lost a family member.
January 11, 2017
Bob and Pam Bennett
Dear, dear Betty-Jo, we were so lucky to have a chance to know her and celebrate with her. I cannot express enough the admiration and love for her we feel. Her loving spirit will remain an influence and for that we are thankful.
January 11, 2017
Terese Sigler
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Buhler. I will always remember her and the Buhler family with fond memories. I send my condolences to all her family and friends along with warm hearted blessings.
January 11, 2017
May you find comfort in Gods promises and thoughts for the future. Jeremiah 29:11
January 11, 2017
Bette-Jo's persistent and enduring contributions to multiple and diverse communities in this country were amazingly accomplished in one lifetime. The value and impact of all she helped create to improve the lives of so many will endure long after her passing. What a visionary; what a friend; what a tireless worker; and what a loss to both people she knew and those she never met.
Terry W. Peterson, Victoria, Texas
January 11, 2017
Bobbie Wolf
I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss Bette-Jo and her wonderful spunk and her wonderful personality. I have enjoyed grooming both Sadie and Holly for her as she was a wonderful dog owner.
January 11, 2017
Hector De Leon
Bette-Jo was truly a great lady who will be missed by many. It my great honor to serve with Bette-Jo on the Associated Republicans of Texas Board for a number of years. Bette-Jo was knowledgeable and direct. Over the years we became great friends. Bette-Jo was not just a Republican activist. Bette-Jo was also a great civic leader. A giant of public service has been lost. I share in the family's loss. Hector De Leon (Austin, TX)
January 10, 2017
Duke & MJ Yetter
Bette-Jo is one of the last great ladies of this century. Nobody did it better than her. First class all the way! She was a master at introducing people to each other and was responsible for creating some many long lasting friendships. MJ and I are going to miss her so much. Her friends became our friends. But they were still her friends. We are so blessed to have had the chance to spend so many days with her when we lived in Hayden Lake. There will never be another Bette-Jo. To all the Buhler family our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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