Betty Irene Rehm (1944–2025)
Betty Irene Rehm, age 80, of Columbus, Montana, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 22, 2025, in Billings, Montana. Betty was born on August 27, 1944, in Bozeman, Montana, at the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, to Jane Goman Stevens and Ray Polston.
Betty married her beloved husband, Donald Rehm, in 1964, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, adventure, and family. To this union, a daughter, Donna, and a son, Shane, were born, completing their family.
A Life Well-Lived
Betty graduated from Three Forks High School in 1962. She worked at the City Drug Store during high school and pursued her passion for beauty by attending beauty school in Bozeman, Montana, alongside her lifelong friend, Yvonne Jewett. Betty began her career working alongside her mother in their beauty shop before marrying Don. The couple started their married life on the KYD Cattle Company Ranch, where Betty found joy in both family and work.
Betty’s devotion to her family shone brightest when she became a mother in 1966, dedicating her life to raising her two children. The family’s adventurous spirit took them from Three Forks to Farley Hereford Ranch and eventually to the Banana Bank Ranch in Belize, Central America. Upon returning to Montana in 1975, Betty opened and operated her own beauty shop in Fromberg.
In 1983, Betty transitioned to a new chapter, becoming the secretary at the Stillwater County Extension, a position she proudly held for 29 years. She was involved in her community, participated in her hobbies, including pinochle card club, bowling, golfing, and singing with the Sweet Adelines choir.
In her later years, Betty continued to enrich the lives of those around her as a volunteer and bookkeeper at the Stillwater County Senior Center. She adored squirrels, loved a game of cards, cherished time with her family, and was well-known for spoiling her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends with their favorite treats.
Family Legacy
Betty is survived by her daughter, Donna (Todd) Rustad, and her son, Shane (Sara) Rehm; her cherished grandchildren, Tim Rustad, Kate (Zachary) Roberts, Kelly Rehm, and Cole Rehm; and her great-grandson, Brydl. She is also survived by her sister, Boni Stout; brother, Bill (Juanita) Polston; sisters-in-law, Donalda (Al) Tucker and Beverly Rehm; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jane and Ray Polston; her husband of 53 years, Donald Rehm; and her grandson, Taylor.
Celebration of Life
A luncheon will be held at Noon on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Columbus Senior Center, 620 Palladium Pl, Columbus, MT.
A graveside service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City in the Pavilion Shelter. Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Stillwater County Senior Center.
Betty’s life was defined by her unwavering love for her family, her vibrant community spirit, and her generous heart. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and cherished memories.
Service Schedule
Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
Thursday January 30, 2025
Columbus Senior Center
620 Palladium Pl
Columbus, Montana 59019
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday January 31, 2025
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery- Pavilion Shelter
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
Thursday January 30, 2025
Columbus Senior Center
620 Palladium Pl
Columbus, Montana 59019
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday January 31, 2025
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery- Pavilion Shelter
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Nancy Pasha says
Shane, I am so sorry you lost your Mom. She was a special lady! Prayers for you and your family.
Alane says
Shane and family,
My deepest condolences.
She was a very special lady, loved chatting with her.
You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.
Leo McDonnell says
She was a very nice lady. Loyal and loving to her family and community. Beautiful spirit
Roubie Younkin says
I am enjoying memories of your mom. Prayers for you all.
Deb Wacker says
Shane and Sarah and family,
So sorry for the loss of your Mom and grandma I will keep her in my prayers
Cindy Berg says
Shane, Sara and family. So sorry about Betty. So enjoyed visiting with her through the years in Extension. Such a fun lady. Prayers to you all.
Norm Stevens says
Donna and Shane,
Sorry to here of Betty’s passing- there are so many wonderful wonderful memories of her and Don over the years-especially at Joliet when you guys were growing up/
Norm Stevens
Don Strizki says
I worked with her for may years at The Columbus Senior Center. I will sure miss her.
May she rest in God’s Peace.
Crystal Moore says
Shane, Sarah and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Betty was the sweetest lady! I enjoyed getting to know her at fair and trading stories. She was a true gem and will be missed! She was very supportive to my son, Ridge, throughout his 4H years of welding projects. Prayers to you all! Crystal, Rod, Talen, and Ridge 🙏
D'Ann Witcher says
Prayers for comfort for you and your family, Shane. God-bless.
Sandie Green says
Donna, Shane and families
God gained another musical angel and maybe she’s up there singing a few tunes the the Sweet Adeline’s that have went before her. I’m sure she an Esther and singing along. Prayers for you all!
JR and Carol Bean says
Shane, Sara, and family. We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donalda Tucker says
Donna, Shane and families,
So very sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a special person . I will miss our phone conversations. Our prayers and thought are with all of you during this difficult time. Always remember the good times. Memories last forever. Remember, we are always here for you. Love you and God Blessing.
Aunt Donalda(Grump), Uncle Al and Judy
Karen Tyra says
I have been praying for you all since Donna told me of her passing. Betty & I worked together from 1987 until her retirement, and we became good friends. It was always great when we could visit at the Columbus Senior Center. I will miss her greatly.
Mike and Sherry Russell says
Mike and I offer sincere condolences to all of Betty’s family. We have fond memories of her from when our kids were in 4-h. She was always there with a smile and help whenever we needed it. In later years when Sara married Shane, we became “extended family,” and good friends. Our hearts go out to you all. We will miss her dearly.
Jack & Kirsten Crocker says
Shane, Sara and family, sorry for your loss. Prayers with you all.
Arleene Weppler says
My prayers are with all of you with Betty departing from her earthly walk. Betty and I attended Cosmetology
School together and she and Don and Dan and my trails crossed throughout the years. GOD has welcomed a special gal into His realm.
Kim Kelley says
So sorry Donna and Shane that you lost your Mom. Glad I got to come to her Birthday party and that my husband and I got to see her at Christmas time. I’ll miss those visits. She was a great lady.
Diana (Hopper) Matthew says
Betty and I grew up in wonderful Three Forks, MT when life when life was much simpler and free. Her Mothers Handy. shop was a favorite of all young people. Many hours spent there! Sports dominated the social activities and weekly dances in the gym. She was a very good friend all those years! Very loved by all her family and friends and missed a lot!!!
Claudia Melcher says
Donna. Todd. Shane and Sara. My thoughts and prayers in your loss of a wonderful mom. Grandmother and mother-in-law. Betty was always so positive even if we weren’t bowling that good!! Enjoyed our pinochle games at the Russell campus and visiting about our 80th birthdays! She will be missed.
Joyce (Walbert) Schneiter says
Dear Betty’s family I am so very sorry for your loss. Betty took care of my children when I worked for her mother. She was always such a sweet person. She meant so much to me and was a good friend. I would like to contribute to her head stone so please reach out to me at my email address and let me know how I can do that. I would also love to have her sister Bonnie’s phone number if you could please send that to me as well.
Boni Stout says
It is heartwarming to read these wonderful tributes to my big sister, Betty. She had so many talents and gracious with her friendships. I will miss our phone calls where she always had the answer to my many questions such as what seasonings to use for my cabbage rolls, a recipe for a favorite recipe, how to clean something, did she remember someone from TF, and such fun texting to her, and sister-in-law Juanita during the football games with the 3 of us disputing the referee calls! A life well lived with my love forever. Boni
Boni Stout says
It is heartwarming to read these wonderful tributes to my big sister, Betty. She had so many talents and gracious with her friendships. I will miss our phone calls. A life well lived with my love forever! Boni
Randy stanhope says
Donna and Shane and familys so sorry for the loss of your mother you are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
Sandi Lemon Hegland says
So sorry for your loss. What fun we had growing up together in Three Forks and my earliest memory is of my sister, Carol, Betty, Boni, and I “swimming” in my mom’s laundry tubs! Such a lot of squealing and special times. The Polston kids were such a joy to be around. She will be missed.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Donna, Shane and Families
I am so sorry for the loss of Betty. God has gained a beautiful amazing lady. I will miss her great smile, great personality and her conversations at our family functions. She will leave her life legacy and life well lived to you all. She was truly loved by all who knew her. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasurer”. She will always be a Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help get you thru difficult days and times ahead. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all.
Justin Dixon Family says
Shane, Sara, and family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. We love you. Hugs to you all.
Tancy Frank says
To all of Betty’s family – what a loss, and so sudden😒
We had such good times as the ‘Gutter Dusters’ bowling team met on Wednesdays‼️‼️. Betty’s smile and happiness was contagious!! Your loss is great, and but Heavens gain is greater❤️. May your memories help fill the gap in your ❤️’s as you learn to live life without her🥲🥲. Sending 🙏’s your way
Tancy Frank
Hassie Rehm says
Love you aunt betty. You will be missed. Love your nephew Brad and niece hassie.
Robert and Della Hauser says
Great memories……… Growing up with Don.. Meeting and enjoying Betty as she came into our lives..and her strength of carrying on after Don left us.. Now so many of her family are all together…You can bet it is “fun and noisy”…
Bev McCurry says
A true friend and tribute to the Columbus community and greater Stillwater County. She had so much to share. Thoughts and prayers to all.