| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | Barbara Boucher[2] (1943-07-29)July 29, 1943 (age 82)[2] |
| Children | 4[2] |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Bette Boutcher[1] Betty Boutcher[1] |
| Billed height | 5 ft 0 in (152 cm)[1][2] |
| Billed weight | 110 lb (50 kg)[2] |
| Billed from | Worcester, Massachusetts[3] |
| Trained by | The Fabulous Moolah[2] |
| Debut | 1962[2] |
| Retired | 1970[1][2] |
Barbara Ellison (néeBarbara Boucher, born July 29, 1943) is an American retiredprofessional wrestler, better known by herring name,Bette Boucher.[2][1]
Boucher was born in the small townWebster, Massachusetts on July 29, 1943, one of seven children born to parents ofFrench descent. While attending high school, she excelled inbaseball andtrack and field. As a young girl, she became a fan of professional wrestling. After befriending professional wrestlerPat Patterson, he introduced her toThe Fabulous Moolah, who agreed to train her despite misgivings about her small stature.[2]
In 1962, Boucher enrolled in The Fabulous Moolah'sprofessional wrestling school inColumbia, South Carolina, training for six months before making her debut. She was given the ring name "Bette" by The Fabulous Moolah to appear more exotic. Her first bout was forJim Crockett Promotions inNorth Carolina, losing toPenny Banner.[2]
After wrestling for two years, Boucher joined theMinneapolis,Minnesota-basedAmerican Wrestling Association.
In the late-1960s, Boucher's sister Shirley began wrestling under the ring name "Rita Boucher". The sisters spent two years as atag team before Shirley retired due to family commitments.[2]
Boucher defeated The Fabulous Moolah to win theNWA World Women's Championship on September 17, 1966. The Fabulous Moolah regained the championship from her one-month later.[4][2] As The Fabulous Moolah was billed as having held the championship uninterrupted for decades, title reigns such as this were not always recognized.[5][3][6]
Boucher retired from professional wrestling in 1970 to start a family.[2]
Boucher married in 1970. She and her husband had four children before divorcing in 1992.[2]
