Betty J. LaRoche, age 95, of Broadus.

Betty J. LaRoche, age 95, of Broadus, passed away on May 14, 2025, at the Powder River Manor in Broadus.

Born on July 22, 1929, in Red Lodge, Montana, Betty was the daughter of Eda Mae (Greenough) and John Weaver. She cherished her childhood in Red Lodge, often recalling fond memories of holidays spent with her numerous cousins at the homestead of her grandparents, Benjamin (Pack Saddle Ben) and Myrtle Greenough.

On September 2, 1945, Betty married Adam (Sonny) Seader, and together they had three children: twins Larry and Carol, born in June 1946, and Kathy, born in October 1947. She resided in Hardin for much of her early adult life. Following their divorce in 1958, Betty moved to Red Lodge, where she worked as a bartender and held various other positions. In the late 1960s, at the encouragement of her dear friend Norrine Linderman, a professional entertainer, she relocated to Belle Creek, Montana, to work during the oil boom. She subsequently moved to Broadus, where she met Dewey LaRoche, who became the love of her life. They were married on January 26, 1970. For the first five years of her life, they intermittently cared for Betty’s granddaughter, Christine, and in 1980, they assumed full custody. They lovingly raised Christine as their own, providing unwavering support for her academic and athletic pursuits throughout her school years.

Betty possessed a passion for gardening and took great pride in maintaining her home and yard. For many years, she enthusiastically decorated her property with outdoor Christmas displays, earning the distinction of Best Decorated House on numerous occasions. She also dedicated many years to volunteering with the Cancer Fund Drive and spent countless hours at the recycling center during the summer months, diligently cleaning and organizing. Another of her great pleasures was watching high school basketball. For two consecutive years, Betty did not miss a single home game played at the high school in Broadus and even traveled to some tournaments. Her commitment was such that a nameplate was placed to reserve her seat. Betty held a special affection for her great-grandchildren, Dani and Tyler, who spent a significant amount of time with her as they grew up. Betty loved to embroidery baby quilts and gave many away for gifts to all her family members, many turned into wall hanging because so much love and work went into them!

After Dewey’s passing in 2001, Betty sold her house in 2004 and moved into a triplex apartment, where she lived independently for sixteen years and cultivated close friendships with her neighbors. Following an unfortunate fall that resulted in a second hip fracture, she was compelled to move into the Powder River Manor. There, she quickly formed bonds with the other residents and the amazing staff, who affectionately called her ‘Miss Betty.’ She was always witty and kept everyone on their toes!

Betty is survived by her daughter, Kathy Thiel of Idaho Falls, ID; granddaughters Christine Franklin of Menomonie, WI, Carrie Graham of Portland, OR, Sherri Empey (Craig) of Idaho Falls, ID, Hallee Cheney of Salt Lake City, UT, and Jodie Thiel of Charleston, NC; sixteen great-grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae Weaver; one brother, Hank Weaver; two sisters, Jesse Wagner and Joyce Reinhardt; her son, Larry Seader; her daughter, Carol Seader; her granddaughter, Kathy Kay Olson; her great-grandsons, Chantz Dewey Keats Franklin and Trevor Wayne Empey and a grandson-in-law Tori Franklin.

No services are planned at this time. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

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Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

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