Brethine church biography

Born and raised alongside the Salmon River in Idaho, Bethine Clark Church emerged from humble beginnings to become a Democratic icon and lifelong supporter of the causes most important to her: the Environment, Education, Health care and Human Rights.

A strong family background in politics and public service were the foundations for her dedication to these causes, which she felt were her responsibility to influence by using her experience, contacts and political sway.

Born in Mackay, Idaho in 1923 into one of Idaho’s most well-known political families, she was raised in Idaho Falls where her father and grandfather were mayors.

Her father, Chase Clark, also served as Governor from 1941-1943 and later became a federal judge appointed by FDR. Church graduated from the University of Michigan in 1945 with a degree in Sociology, and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Frank Church, who enjoyed a long and influential tenure as an Idaho senator from 1957 t