Elizabeth “Betty” Davidson Clark passed away on Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 at St. Vincents Hospital in Billings, MT.
Betty was born in Forsyth, MT, on January 17th, 1929, the second daughter of George and Verdie (Philbrick) Davidson. She was christened Elizabeth Irene, but was always called Betty. She and her older sister, Patty had the advantage of growing up in the little town of Rosebud, MT. Betty went to school in Rosebud from kindergarten to high school, graduating in 1947. She went to the University of Montana for 1 year and then to Billings Business College. She worked numerous secretarial jobs, her favorite was working in the Rosebud County Treasurers Office from 1952-1956.
Betty married Raymond Clark on February 15th, 1955 in her parents’ home. To this union three children were born, Kay, Linda, and Richard.
She enjoyed dancing, riding her bike, coffee with friends, playing the ukulele, and especially the game of parcheesi, which she taught to her children, grandchildren, and many friends.
In November 2015, she moved into assisted living at St. Johns in Billings, MT, where she enjoyed making new friends with the residents and staff. Betty was a member of the Episcopal Church, NRC, VFW, and the Caledonian Society of Miles City.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, George and Verdie Davidson; her sister, Patricia Langohr, and her husband, Raymond R Clark.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Kay (Eric) Roeslein of Forsyth, Linda Fjelstad of Miles City; her son, Richard (Billi) of Nampa Idaho; nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces, and cousin Newell Philbrick.
Family to receive friends will be held from 4-6 PM on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. A memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Stevenson and Sons. Burial will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons have been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com. Memorials can be made to the Ascension Episcopal Church in Forsyth, or the Rosebud Foundation.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday February 28, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Friday March 1, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Jennifer Mills says
I’m very sorry for your loss, Jade.
Connie Brown says
To Betty’s family:
I am sorry to hear of your families loss, hold tight to the memories! May God bless you with peace and love.
Jessie Leidholt says
To Betty’s family, Jim and I would like to give all of you a giant Forsyth type hug. We are so sorry for the passing of beautiful and nice Betty. She was very special. Jessie and Jim Leidholt
Kay Crosby Dooley says
I cannot remember when Betty was not a part of the Crosby life. Her and my Mother coffee across the alley for years, when Betty and Ray moved to the east end of town the coffeeing continued. Betty and Ray were there for us when my Daddy passed, and then when my Mother did. I always visited Betty when I was in Forsyth and when we lost my Brother George again she was “there” with a place for me to stay.
When I got married, Betty approved my choice of a dress. She would always inquire about Alex and family and genuinely shared in my pride. Bill and I visited her in Billings and this fall she shared a in a suprize lunch with Alex and family who came up for Bill’s retirement.
I remember weekend trips to visit her parents in Rosebud and her Father’s, blessing, a Bobbie Burns original. A few years ago she gave me a towel with the Blessing on it. Kay, Linda and Dick, the Crosby’s share in your grief, our hearts will forever be filled with fond memories of Betty and the Clarks.
Helen J Deines says
So sorry to see this. I have fond memories of Forsyth Horse Show and staying witg Ray snd Betty. My mom sends her sympathy also. Ella Johnsen and Helen Johnsen Deines
Andre says
I want to send my condolences to the family and friends. Having to deal with the loss of a love one is something that we never want to experience. But, knowing that we can receive comfort from God ( 2 Corinthians 1:3,4) we can rest assure that he will guide us through these grievous times.
Sheila Blakesley says
So sorry to hear this. I had no idea Betty was having any problems with her health. The last time I saw her was when she came to Forsyth with some others to celebrate Jean Larsen’s 95th birthday. She and Ray were always good neighbors and I still miss them both. I will pray for Betty and for all the family during this sad time.
Carol Moore says
Kay, Dick, and Linda,
Sad to learn about your mom’s passing. Hold onto the memories and good times. When I saw Betty, she always asked about my family and how everyone was doing. Praying for you all.
Wilma Coate says
I’m grieving for your loss, Clark family, while I am also rejoicing with Betty for being at rest in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What unspeakable joy for her!
Your mom was such a sweet lady. I know that she was a very loyal friend to Marc’s mom, Arlene, and that the two of them, with Gayle, always had a great time together with lots of laughter. I will also forever remember your parents’ welcoming home, and the lovely visits Marc and I had with them every time we visited Forsyth. They always threw the door wide open for us, and we never felt like we intruded on their time.
I am sorry that I can’t be with you for the memorial service, as I will be out of state. I will keep you in my prayers. May you know God’s comfort in your time of grieving.
Bobbee Heberle says
I am are so sorry to here about Betty’s passing. She certainly had a great sense of humor and wit, that i enjoyed alot.
I just talked with Betty a few weeks ago at the billings clinic, She was telling me about her recent trip to see you Dick, Billy and Bridget, she sounded like she loved her visit. I’m sorry won’t be able to attend her service, I am still in Virginia.
But you will all be in my thoughts an prayers.
Love,
Bobbee
Tracie Jones says
Kay, Linda, and Dick…..I think you all 3 know how I feel about your mom, as she was always very nice to me and she always made me laugh. I’m so glad I got to see her the day before she passed, and to tell her that I loved her. When I lived with Aunt Bess, both Ray and Betty made sure I was doing ok, and they always told me that if there was anything I needed, to let them know! I appreciated Betty’s sense of humor so much that I loved being around her and visiting with her. I will miss that sense of humor and her wittiness, but not only that, her kindness to me meant so much!
Rest in peace Betty…you will be missed dearly. To all of the family….Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the service as I will be out of town, so please know that your in my thoughts and you have my sincere condolences.
Margaret (Puggs) Shively and family says
I first met Betty at an Episcopal Church Camp outside of Helena many, many years ago. I remet her when her sister Patty and my brother Don became engaged. A beautiful and lovely person with a great sense of humor!
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I will be with you in spirit the day of her service.
Richard McRae says
It was a pleasant surprise to find Betty at Mission Ridge after my mom moved in September 2017. She and Ray dined at my mom’s kitchen table over the years and Betty always had a story. Like the time Ray supposedly sent her to Billings to buy a bull, and she bought a diamond ring instead. Ray called the ring Ferdinand. Or the story about buying her Olds Toronado without Ray. Later, while heading home to Miles City, I saw her in that car headed for Billings, and I wondered about the next story to come. Ray let her tell the story as she saw it, and smiled. She will be missed.
Kristi Dayle says
Kay, Linda, and Dick,
I adored your Mom and her sense of humor. She was always my Dads biggest fan and supported him thru many ups and downs.
She was always ready to have a good time :)). I hope you can keep all the good memories close to your heart ❤️
Kristi Dayle (Philbrick)
Ruthie Johnson says
Loved laughing with Betty. Always fun to be around. Taking a Bible study with her was a joy.
Wonderful lady to be around. 💜
Dwayne Albertson says
Betty and I shared many laughs. She was a good listener, who’s gentle advice was appreciated.
She and Catherine Crosby humored and befriended me.
I miss her quick wit and gentle smile.
The family is in my prayers.
Vicki Little says
Clark family, I am so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. She and Ray were so very special to my parents, Red and Beverly Yerger. She was such a gracious lady. I always enjoyed seeing her when I visited in Forsyth. May God grant you all peace and understanding.
Ron Hathaway says
Linda,Kay and Richard: So sorry for your loss. Rest assured, she’s in a better place!
Ron and Ginny Hathaway
Mary Smith Roig says
Im so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Betty and all the family. I remember the love she had for my grandnother, Margaret Wallin and to my mom and dad, Ted and Ellen. Prayers for the family.
De-De Fjelstad says
Sorry for your loss
Marty Skinn says
Richard and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss.What a pleasure it was knowing Betty,an absolutely amazing lady with a lot of great stories.Will miss going out to lunch with here from time to time on Saturdays in Billings. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Marty Skinn
Lori Kerr Hughes says
Dear Kay, Linda and Dick and Family – I am so sorry to hear of Betty’s death. I loved seeing the photos of her and remembering how kind she was to me. I met the Clark family when Kay and I attended the DingDong kindergarten a long time ago. Mr. and Mrs. Clark became like a second set of parents to me because I spent so much time at their home and store. And I have very fond memories of those special visits to Rosebud and learning how to play parcheesi at the Davidsons. May all the many many fond memories of Betty help ease the pain of your loss at this time. I will always remember Betty.
Eric Alexander says
You know, they say that opposites attract. Well, in the case of Ray and Betty, I guess that was mostly true. Ray was more quiet and reserved, chose his words carefully. Betty, on the other hand, was more fiery and spoke whatever was on her mind. But that was only one of her many charms.
Betty loved to laugh and have fun. She had a great sense of humor. She also had an abundance of common sense and would give good advice based on that.
She was fiercely loyal to friends and family and expected that in return. And do not try to cross her friends or family, or you would feel her wrath.
But like Ray, you always knew where you stood with Betty. She did not ‘Mince words’ either. She either liked someone, or she did not. Those traits, like loyalty, Integrity, common sense, trust etc. are so hard to find in one person, that it made it that much more enjoyable to be around her. She will be greatly missed…
Kelly (Cartwright) and Sam Handley says
Dear Kay, Linda and Dick–I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be with you during this time, but the weather and other commitments won’t allow me to come to Forsyth this week. My heart and prayers are with you and your families. Hugs to all of you!!
Sharon Faust Lincoln says
Betty was always so much fun, full of laughter and stories. We reconnected here in Billings, having coffee or going to lunch. Our mothers were good friends and we had fun comparing notes of their times together too. The people at the St John’s loved her too because she was always smiling and loved to visit. She will be missed by many.
Gayle Larsen says
Praying for Betty’s Family! Sending my love.💕I I met Betty In 1955 . We have been friends all these years. Many coffee get together s at Kathryn’s & Arlene’s , we both ended up in Billings these last few years. Renew our friendship. We Went shopping, had lunch 1 or 2 times a week, tried to remember peoples names & laughed a lot. She was so funny, never knew what would pop Out of her mouth, never wondered how she felt about something . I well miss her so much!
Sharon Lincoln says
I will always think of Betty smiling, happy, and full of stories.. We reconnected after she moved to the Vista at Mission Ridge. Everyone loved her when she came to the library to find books to read. Betty always had a smile on her face and a greeting for those around her. We went to lunch and exchanged stories about our mothers, who were good friends, and remembrance of days in Forsyth. My condolences to her family and friends. Betty was always a lot of fun. She will be missed by many.
Barbara Heal says
One of my favorites, loved her humor, loved her calling me Fern, Dick, Kay and Linda, enjoy the memories, Barb Heal
Barbara Heal says
One of my favorites, loved her and her humor. Betty, guess we will never know why you called me Fern. God Bless you
Tricia Cook says
My childhood memories include lots of holiday dinners and good times with Uncle Ray and Aunt Betty. I hope they are enjoying each other’s company in heaven today. Hugs to you all. So sorry I can’t be there in person.
Uncle Bob and Aunt Jeanne Clark says
Dear Kay, Linda, and Dick. We were so shocked and saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. We had talked to here just after Christmas. She sounded well and excited about going to Boise to see her latest great grandchild. We are glad she was able to do that. We are disappointed and saddened that we can’t be with you tomorrow. This severe winter weather just isn’t going to permit it, We sure don’t want to lose touch with you. May Our Heavenky Father’s blessings be with you in this difficult time of your lives
Raymond Clark says
Grandma Betty was an amazing grandmother who alway made mine and my sisters times in Montana memorable. She was also a wonderful great-grandmother. I’m glad to have known her so well and will always remember her. We all know she will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Kathy Steckelberg says
Kay, Linda and Richard
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always treasure my memories of growing up in Forsyth. I will never forget your parents. Your dad was always there to help or give me a hug. Your mom always has a smile to share and I thought she was so beautiful. I wish I could be there with you to celebrate Betty’# life.
~brigitte~ says
Man it’s been 5 years I still miss her as much as I did the first day of her loss I love you grandma