Betty Ann Merchant, age 91, of Volborg passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at the Friendship Villa in Miles City.
Betty was born December 9, 1924 in Loma, Montana, to Mary and Frank Janutis, Jr. They initially resided with her grandfather, George Turney, and Uncle Buster, who played an important part in her early years. Betty’s sister and best friend, Frankie, was born in 1930. Their father had a “roving soul” so the family moved often until his death in 1936. Mary and Tony Janutis married in 1938 and Betty’s brother, Anthony, was born in 1940. The family settled in Kinsey, Montana. Betty took her freshman year of high school by correspondence course and boarded in Miles City to attend the rest of high school, graduating from Custer County District High School in 1943.
After graduation, she moved to Spokane to attend trade school and worked for the Air Force. She met Robert Hudson during this time and they married on March 4, 1945 in Superior, Montana. After having a son, James Robert, in 1946, they moved back to Montana where they later divorced. Betty married Dallas Merchant on August 15, 1950, and they made their home on his family ranch in Volborg, Montana where they built the home they lived in for the next 65 years. In 1962 and 1964, their daughters, Linda Sue and Mary Lou joined the family. Betty worked as an equal partner on the ranch and also served as the clerk of schools for 25 years and helped to start the first 4-H club in 1957.
Betty had twelve grandchildren, seven of whom were raised on the family ranch. She was a devoted grandmother, always making time to play games, cross stitch, bake, make waffles, color, ride horses, and go for walks with her grandkids. She had many passions, including tending her yard, painting, reading and running her 542 Oliver combine and her Cub International tractor. Although Betty loved traveling, particularly sitting by the ocean watching the tide come in, her heart belonged to the ranch.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her daughter, Linda Sue, her granddaughter, Lyndsey Merchant, and her grandson, Eddie Whittenberg. She is survived by her husband, Dallas; son, Jim; daughter, Mary Lou; son-in-law, Bill Canon; grandchildren: Misti (Jay) Badgett, Dennis Merchant, Tiffany (Stuart) Bovington, Kimberly Merchant, Eric (Evelyn) Merchant, Molly (Kevin) Litzen, Matthew Wheeler, Dallas Whittenberg, Buck Whittenberg and John Huschka; 19 great-grandchildren; a very special brother-in-law, Harvey Watts; nieces (Joan Brown, Julia Pierce, and Melanie Degner), nephews (Randy Watts and Steve Watts), and their families; and an honorary granddaughter, Krista Gotfredson.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 7, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday January 8, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 7, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday January 8, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Johnny Jonutis says
Betty was one of my favorite cousins.I’m glad you,Jim and Dallas were able to visit me one more time at my Powder River home last summer.
Kathi Rooney Pfeifle says
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Randy and Kathi (Rooney) Pfeifle
Suzanne Trusler Sr. says
Condolences to the family. I enjoyed visiting with Betty whenever I saw her. She was a very elegant lady.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
To the Merchant Family: my condolences to you on the loss of Betty. As next-door neighbors on the ranch, your family was part of my growing up time. I’m sure you will miss Betty very much. May God wrap you in His arms and give you comfort.
Patti (Green) Ireland
Karen gunther says
so sorry for your loss to all the Merchant family, my prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
bill canon says
a very grand friend and community figure. my thoughts go out to her family, may god bless you all
Della Greslin says
So sorry for the loss of a grand lady who has touched the lives of many. Betty as my 4-H leader worked with me on my sewing projects & cooking projects taught me skills that I still use today, even though I haven’t attempted to make a sponge cake since those days, we must have made a half dozen cakes before giving up. I have many great memories of her. May you all find comfort in the Happy Memories of Betty.
Stan Jonutis says
I always enjoyed going out to the Merchant ranch as a young kid for big family gatherings many years’ past. Good times! –And Betty was the best hostess!
billy J says
My thoughts go out to Dallas, Jim and the rest of the family. May she rest in peace.
Laurie Claypool and family says
To all of Betty Ann’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to each one of you! Laurie Janssen Claypool and family
Dotty Cauthron Watts says
To all of Betty’s family, Please accept my condolences. I didn’t get to know Betty well, but I could tell she was a special person. I know Harvey and his family thought an awful lot of her.
Gene and Bobi (Jonutis) Allard says
Betty’s picture put a huge smile on my face. That’s our Betty! What a kind lady and she was always so good to me. She was a hard worker inside and outside the house. Her kitchen put out some delicious, huge meals whenever we had those wonderful, old family reunions. Our sympathies go to Dallas and all members of Betty’s family.
Ed and Anne Jonutis says
Anne and I want to express our sympathy to Dallas and family. Our own health issues prevent us from attending the funeral and reconnecting with everyone, but our thoughts will be there with all of you.
Dallas Roots says
My sympathy to the family on the loss of Betty. Its been several years since I brought a friend out to the ranch to visit. Our families were close neighbors growing up. The Alex Roots family was down the creek a few miles, but the kids got together for education at the Loesch School The Loesch School reunion in 1986 was a milepost. It was such a great gathering, the organizers including Dallas and Betty did such a great job that we didn’t need to have another.
Sonny and Sandy says
Kim and family – We are so sorry for your loss. We were unable to attend the services but our thoughts were and are with you.