Bette Cato: Retired teacher and former member of the Alaska House of Representatives.

Many excellent educators also serve as competent politicians. One of these is Bette Cato, a teacher who served in the Alaska House of Representatives.

Bette Maxine Cato was born on May 9, 1924, in Odessa, Washington, District of Columbia. She was the daughter of William Dallas and Ann (Reimer) Millhorn. As a young girl, she attended Eaton Rapids High School in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. After her graduation, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Eastern Washington College in 1960. She also completed postgraduate coursework at Alaska Methodist University and Lawrence University.

In 1957, Bette relocated to Alaska, where she accepted a position as a teacher at Kenai High School. She worked there from 1960 to 1963. She also taught at East High School in Anchorage from 1965 to 1969, and Valdez High School from 1969 to 1979. In Valdez, her colleagues elected her president of the local division of the American Federation of Teachers.

In 1980, Bette was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives on the Democratic ticket. She served there from 1981 to 1989. While in the House, the former educator served as the Chairperson of the House Transportation Committee.

From 1943-1944, when WWII was in full swing, Bette was with United States Navy. Later she joined the American Legion, where she held the position of Deputy Vice Commander in 1955. She was also the Commander of Post 2 in Valdez from 1972-1982.  In addition, Bette was a member of Beta Sigma Phi.

Bette resigned from her seat when she was diagnosed with diverticulitis in 1989. She passed away from complications due to cancer on Jan. 18, 1996. 

To learn more about this chalkboard champion, see this link to 100 Years of Alaska’s Legislature.