Betty Jane Stephenson Butler was born on October 26, 1924 and passed into the light on the early evening of September 1, 2014 at the age of 89.
Betty was born in Cass County, Missouri and moved with her parents and three brothers to the west. She graduated from high school in Fromberg, Montana at the age of 16. She continued her education by going to nurses training in Billings. After graduation, she joined the Army Cadets and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington during World War II. There she met and married James Butler. They lived several places before moving to Miles City and going to work for the State Industrial School (Pine Hills School for boys). After living at the school for a number of years, the family moved to Butler Street. Her husband passed away in December of 1982. While on Butler Street and after retiring from Pine Hills, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of having a business of her own – a yarn shop. She was an avid knitter and shared her talents with her family in items that she made and by teaching others the craft.
Betty spent time traveling to the Philippines, Japan (3 times), Hong Kong, Hawaii, a cruise to Alaska and did Elderhostel’s in Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Georgia and one overseas to Iceland, Sweden and Finland. When she was almost done traveling, she sold her home and moved into an apartment that she was able to share with her grandsons Jerry, Henry and Lee. The boys learned from her to love books and life and to believe in their dreams. She also shared these values with her older grandchildren Laddie, Christine, and Bobby Jane. During this time she also earned an Associate’s degree from MCC.
Betty Jane was the mother of four: Bob, James, Bettiann and Katy. Besides her grandchildren her family also includes a daughter-in-law, Jody; two sons-in-law: Terry and Vern; and her great grandchildren.
No services will be held upon Betty Jane’s request. Instead a Celebration of her life will take place Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at The Parlor, 1806 Main Street, Miles City, MT. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that you please make donations to Homestead Assisted Living at 2706 Pleasant Street, Miles City, MT 59301. Betty Jane’s family thanks Homestead Assisted Living for all the wonderful care given to Betty Jane during her stay.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday September 6, 2014
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday September 6, 2014
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Bobbie May says
You were THE BEST Grandma and Great Grandma hands down. We will always remember you as the grandma that made us feel special, loved spending time with us, made every Christmas spent with you full of love and traditions, and we always knew you were thinking of us with cards and calls on every birthday. There is nothing you could have done to be a more perfect Grandmother. I know now you will ALWAYS be looking down on us. We will miss you Grandma Butler so very much. I look forward to the day my Lord and Savior allows me the pleasure of being with you and all my loved ones once again!!!! xoxo
Christine Correa says
You were indeed the Best grandma. I could not even image better memories of our childhood, from planning out our yardsale expeditions to our trips to Joliet with stop over in Billings for special treats. You will be greatly missed by all that you have touched. May you rest in peace until we meet again. I love you!!!!
Donna Kingsley Coffeen says
So sorry for your loss, Katy.
Ginger & Joe Kiel says
Katy & family,
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family
Penny (Sumer) Schmidt says
Katy, and to all of Betty’s family, I was sorry to read of your mom’s passing. A lot of old and happy memories are held for her. She sounds like she never slowed down, so that means you have a lot of happy memories to hold dear! Peace to you all.
Penny
Janet Klein says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time in your life! She was a kind lady who loved her children dearly and boy, oh boy, could she knit!! She was small but mighty and I remember her as always on the go… May your memories sustain you through the coming days.
Teddy Kay Haggard says
Our memories of Betty Jane are filled with her pleasant smile and positive attitude of life. The picture you have posted is exactly how we remember Betty Jane — a very attractive woman and a wonderful person. Can almost hear her voice as she tells everyone a funny story. The happy memories of her will always be treasured. Jim and Kay Haggard
Cherrie Beyer says
I so enjoyed talking to Betty so much – she was such a wonderful sweet woman. I loved it when she told the stories of her travels, especially to Japan. Since I have closed my business – she is one of my clients that I missed seeing annually. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Sandy and Ric Rabe says
Katie, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We pray you can find comfort and good memories and the knowledge that she is always in your heart!
Sandy and Ric
edith daly says
i worked for homested helped take care of her sorry for the loss ill pray for all of you
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Betty Jane Stephenson Butler – I am sorry to hear of your loss. It was never the Creator’s purpose for mankind to suffer (Romans 5:12). In the Bible we are promised a time when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). I hope you are comforted by the “God of all comfort” who promises to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). I hope you find peace in many Bible promises (John 17:3).