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Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

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In Memory Of

Betty Jean Ayers, age 96, of Mildred.

November 29, 1923 – July 2, 2020

Betty Jean Ayers 96 of Mildred went home to be with her Lord and Savior in the early morning hours on July 2, 2020.

Betty was born on November 29, 1923 in Selma Nebraska to Alvin “Doc” and Bethel (Rittenhouse) Wood. Betty had a long and fulfilling life.  She grew up in Knowlton, later moved to Miles City, married Lawrence Martin and had her first child Vaughn Dee Lee, alas this marriage didn’t last, and they were divorced.  She later met the man of her dreams Newman Ayers, sheep rancher extraordinaire, they were married on June 15, 1950 and were married forty-two years. To this union a son, Courtney, was born.

They spent many years building the ranch that Newman had been born on.  Hard work is a big part of living on a ranch and Betty didn’t back down from a challenge. One such challenge was raising bum lambs, and she rocked it!!! Bum lambs are often known for “wanting to die” well Betty could bring a cold, starving, half dead bum lamb in, and bring it back to life. They would not only live but thrive on her care. As you can guess this became Bettys main job in the spring and throughout the summer. She had one special ewe lamb her grandkids remember well “Ribbon” Betty had found her on the frozen creek, retrieved a tree branch and scooted Ribbon to the edge. As you can imagine that silly lamb had a place of honor for several years. There are many such stories of her and the animals that resided with her and her family.  She passed these talents and stories on to her grandchildren, whom she loved very dearly. She had a great love for all animals, but her dogs were most certainly loved, especially Pumpkin.

Betty spent most of her life on the ranch, however in 2011 she moved into Billings Health and Rehab, (later Advantara) which is where she made many many friends who became her extended family. She would fill them with tales of her kids and grandkids but mostly of the ranch life she had loved. She will be missed by these wonderful people who were such a huge part of her life in recent years.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Newman, her parents Bethel (Ray) Torgeson. Alvin “Doc” Wood. Her brother, Buddy Wood, her son in-law, Dale Bockness, and grandson, Ty Bockness. She is survived by, her daughter Vaughn Dee Lee (Dale) Bockness, son Courtney (Pam) Ayers, sister Karen (Alan) Charles. Ten grandchildren and many great grandchildren and even a few great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2020 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mildred Cemetery at Mildred, Montana. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

Service Schedule

Visitation

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday July 9, 2020

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Graveside Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday July 10, 2020

Mildred Cemetery

Mildred, Montana 59341

View map

Service Schedule

Visitation

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday July 9, 2020

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Graveside Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday July 10, 2020

Mildred Cemetery

Mildred, Montana 59341

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Tim and Diane Ehman says

    July 2, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    Lost track of Betty. We drank lots of coffee and ate many of her doughnuts at the coffee shop in Mildred. RIP Betty.

  2. Larry and ruby bearley says

    July 2, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with u all ,sorry for ur loss

  3. Sidney and Deb (Breen) Junek says

    July 3, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    So sorry for your loss.

  4. Savanna says

    July 3, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    I loved you like you were my own grandmother Betty max looked forward to seeing your face every day and hearing you tell me “hey sweeeeeetie” with a peppermint or peanut m&m’s. You touched my heart and always made me feel appreciated. I miss you so much. Rest in Peace Betty, You’re such a beautiful soul❤

  5. Lionel & Sandy says

    July 6, 2020 at 9:37 pm

    Rest in Peace, Aunt Betty. Our condolences to Courtney, Pam and family. Our condolences also to Vaughn & her family. To all our Ayers cousins Betty’s passing marks the last of the Frank & Edna generation of their children & spouses. Let’s remember them all in their best light.

  6. Hazel (Beddor) Bissell says

    July 12, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    I have fond memories of riding in the back of the pickup at night with flashlights looking for ???
    It was quit an experience, was always welcomed as a teenager.. my thoughts are with the families and especially Karan and Vaughn

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Service Schedule

Visitation

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday July 9, 2020

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Graveside Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday July 10, 2020

Mildred Cemetery

Mildred, Montana 59341

View map

Share

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Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

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