She was preceded in death by her husband Richard (Dick) Smith, daughter Pam Thomas, infant daughter Smith, sister and brother-in-law Delbert and Marion Kane, bother-in-law Henry LaCasse, nephew Larry LaCasse and parents Dan and Rosa Leary. Betty is survived by her son John (Lana) Smith, daughter Patty (Don) Samuelson, sister Helene LaCasse, grandchildren Micky (Brett) Culey, Erin and Jamie Sanburn, Amber and Evan Smith, Derrick (Mystera) and Tyler (Jera) Samuelson, great grandkids Derric and Jayd Culey, special granddaughter Jenny Glenn and precious nieces Marilyn Kane and Dixie (Bob) Ayala, Rosemary (Jay) Howard and nephews Bill (Nancy) Kane and Allen (Laurie) LaCasse. She is also survived by numerous special great nieces and nephews.
Betty graduated from Broadus High School in 1946 and worked as a clerk at the Broadus court house for several years. She married Dick Smith on October 4, 1953 in Belle Fourche S.D. She spent many happy years on the family ranch raising her children and grandchildren while enjoying her life as the wife of a rancher. During this time she was a timer for the local rodeos and was happy to donate her time to being in the "crow´s nest`. She took pride in helping with the East Fork Roping Club and Little Levi Rodeo.
She lived her whole life in her beloved Broadus community. One of her major accomplishments was serving as one of the founding members of the rest home committee and being a part of getting a nursing home started in Broadus. Betty was also an active member of the Broadus School board, the Cemetery and T.V. board, the election board, and a Cowbelle serving as an officer for many years. She spent numerous hours supporting her kids, grandkids and others in their sporting events. Because of her support of athletes she was honored with a reserved seat that was labeled with her name on a plaque.
After her morning coffee she was ready to take on anything. She loved to be with her family, travel, cook, play board games, craft, and crochet and play cards. Her grandkids and others had her to thank for many of their lunches during school. On occasion you could see her riding with Evan in his wagon as he drove his team around town. During the last several weeks her granddaughter Amber became her favorite companion and they spent many hours together playing crib, cooking, driving around or just hanging out. Fondly her grand and great grandkids referred to her as "Grams" and she dearly adored all of them.
Never was there a card game that wasn´t fun for her. She could challenge the best at cards and usually come out a winner.
Her strength and determination led her to staying in her home and driving her own car until the end. She loved the ability to drive and look at the country admiring the wide open spaces.
Betty was comforted in last days by the caring and love of her family. She was surrounded by family never being left alone, always having her hand held, back rubbed, feet massaged, whispers of love in her ear and jokes told to her. She was also cheered every day by flowers and notes sent by friends.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus, Montana. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Memorials may be sent to the Broadus rest home or to the charity of your choice.
May there be many hours of driving and hands of cards played in heaven!
Hopefully each day will be a double pinochle day!
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
13:00
Monday December 19, 2011
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, MT 59317
Visitation
13:00 to 18:00
Sunday December 18, 2011
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home - Broadus
Broadus, MT 59317
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Lewis and Marla Hoffman says
So sorry to hear about Betty, she will be missed. I’m so glad I got to visit with her a couple of times this summer. Thinking of all of you.
Pam & Dave Nisley says
We are saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. Our prayers go out to all of you for God’s great comfort through this time.
I have fond memories of sitting on the election board with her….she will be greatly missed! We loved her and always enjoyed the many times we were able to share a meal in town.
We are here for you if there is anything we can do.
Love,
Pam & Dave
Jeanette O'Dea says
Betty was a wonderful lady, I enjoyed her very much, she always had something to tell me to bring a smile to my face.She will be missed by many—A Great Lady
Randy & Cynde Trucano says
So sorry for your loss. Betty is one special lady and really looked forward to getting to visit with her. She always told people they better watch out I was trouble and we had some really good laughs. Love and miss you Betty.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Sorry for your family’s loss. It is so hard to lose a loved one.
Debbie and Duane Talcott says
The love and support of a mother can never be replaced, but we hope you find some strength, in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
OUr hearts are heavy with sadness for the loss of Betty. She was a gem! We will keep your family in our prayers and hope that you will treasure your memories of her. God Bless. Vic and Laura Lee
Justin & Charlee Kuhbacher Family says
Just wanted you all to know….that Betty was quite the lady…she will be missed. Our hearts, are happy we got to share in her life…she was always so friendly…:) Take Care.
Tim & Gaylene Fortner says
Betty was a very special friend who we cherished and will miss. There aren’t many people who a person feels as comfortable with as we did Betty. We loved her visits, sense of humor and playing cards with her. I felt at home at her house, could check the frig if I wanted, maybe not much in there at times. Oh, what a special lady!!
Todd Ayala says
To all of Aunt Betty’s family, I am really sorry for your loss..She was one of a kind and a great person !
Dixie and Bob Ayala says
Our thoughts are with all of you. We are sorry for the loss in your life. I know her passing leaves a big empty space in your lives.
Cora Mae Ofstie says
I’m so sorry to hear of Aunt Betty’s passing. I remember her so clearly as young bride and with her babies. I can see her in the kitchen at the Ranch fixing a meal or special branding dinners. I remember card parties and can here her laughter when she would win. The last visits I had were at her house in Broadus or around town.
May you hold your memories in your hearts and send forth the love she gave so freely.
Love, Cora Ofstie
Wayne Wetherelt Jr says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family in the loss of Betty. She was truly a unique and wonderful woman. I was fortunate to get to know her through the years. In my younger days, she would stop by the house and pick up Brenda and I and we would spend hours out at her house with our classmate Patty. For years, I have always called her a “little old lady”, and we still joked about that. I was fortunate to see her again this past year when I was home visiting. I will always remember our times together. May your memories give you strength in the days ahead.
Marilyn Kane says
What a hole is left in all our hearts with losing Betty. She has been such a special person to me my whole life. My second mother, my dear dear friend, and my fun fun aunt. My love and hugs to the kids and grandkids at this time. I will always miss her. Marilyn
Emily Nelson says
Patty-
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. It sounds like she was an amazing lady. My thoughts will be with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Hang in there.
Jan Nicholson says
Patty, Don & Family,
Your momm sounds like an amazing lady–no wonder her kids turned out so well.
My heart is with you at this time and always. If you need anything, please call.
GLEN AND SHIRLEY BURTON says
PLEASE KNOW THAT YOUR FAMILY IS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PARYERS. WE SPENT MANY FUN HOURS DRINKING COFFEE AND PLAYING CARDS. BETTY WILL BE MISSED.
Lanissa Fortner says
I’m sorry for your loss. Betty was one neat lady. She had such a big sense of humor and was always a ton of fun to visit with and always good for an exciting card game!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick & Dee Abbott says
Dear Family Members:
We were saddened to learn of Betty’s passing. We pray that God will grant you peace and comfort during this time!
tina ayala says
I will cherish the memories of Betty, all the laughter and silliness. I will miss her.
Kelly Babb says
We share in your sorrow at the passing of your beloved mother,grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt,etc. I enjoyed getting to know Betty as a neighbor, especially visiting with her when I would water the William’s yard. She will be greatly missed. We will keep you in our prayers.
Kenny, Kelly and Casey Babb
kathi gatlin says
I am so very sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. We sat together at the fashion show this year and I so enjoyed her company. May God grant you peace at this difficult time.