Elizabeth South, Betty as she preferred to be called, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2022.
She was born Oct 17, 1933 in Mobridge SD daughter of Bertha Brandel and John O. Hodgson. The family moved to Miles City in 1934 where John worked for the Milwaukee Railroad. She grew up living on N Custer with her sister Lucy and brother’s Cliff and Will and many cousins in the area.
She attended school till 8th grade then went to Fessenden ND to live with her Aunt and Uncle, Tillie and Ed Krueger. Tillie had cancer and Betty helped around the house and farm. After Tillies death in Oct of 1952, she returned to Miles City. She met a young service man Thomas E. South during this time and on Dec 2, 1953 they married. Unfortunately they never had children of their own, but had close relationships with all their nieces and nephews.
Tom and Betty traveled to many areas for his work. They settled in Denver where Tom was employed as an Irion worker for various projects. Betty always looked forward to family coming to visit her. She would plan many fun adventures like the Zoo, Amusements parks or just going to the animal shelter to see the dogs or cats up for adoption. She was always thinking of some kind of mischief to get into. From night raids on the neighbors corn patch to hunting night crawlers with a spot light.
They made yearly trips to see Toms folks in Noxon, Mt and then over to Miles City to see Bettys family. It was always an exciting time when they came. Many family meals and time spent visiting or fishing.
In the 1970’s Toms work took them to Craig, Co and then to Longmont where they lived till moving to Greeley. They retired there and in 1993 moved back to Miles City after her father passed away to spend time with her mother. Unfortunately Bertha passed away in Feb of 1994. Tom and Betty bought a mobile home on N lake and lived there till Bettys health declined and they moved to Eagle Manor. In Oct 2016 they moved to Holy Rosary Extended care. On Oct 31,, 2016 Tom passed away and Betty spent the remainder of her life there.
Her talents with crafts and crocheting were shared with family, friends and employees. She loved to put puzzles together. They also loved the dogs they had during their life Beaver, Buffy, Fatta Boy and Lil Bit or Pee Wee as Betty called him.
Betty will be missed by all her family and friends. Special thanks go out to Joanne, Jerry, Janelle and Noel for their help and support throughout the years. Also to Laurie Christopherson and the staff at Holy Rosary Residential living for making her last years enjoyable.
We will always have a special place in our hearts for you, Betty.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 63 years Tom, Sister Lucy Peterson and Brothers Cliff and Will Hodgson. Also special niece Wendy Hodgson.
She is survived by Sister-in-law Joanne Hodgson, Brother–in-law Dick Peterson, nieces Tanna(Bret)Aye, Janelle Certain, Kris(Scott)Toennis and nephews Mark(Lisa)Peterson, Jerry Hodgson, Wade (Jeanie)Hodgson, Wayne Hodgson and Wes(Kelly)Hodgson and families, plus many members of the South family.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Miles City Animal Shelter in Betty’s name.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 28, 2022
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetry
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 28, 2022
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetry
Miles City, Montana 59301
Jackie Stroh says
Rest in Peace Dear Betty!! Will miss your presence at Residencial Living!!
Wesley Hodgson says
I will always love the memories with Aunt Betty. Such a sparky personality, fun loving, and a true genuineness. Love you now and forever Aunt Betty. Rest In Peace dear soul.
Sandi Kohones says
I loved seeing Betty come into St Vincent de Paul . She was always looking for yarn for her next project! She will be missed ! Such a fun , loving person with a wonderful smile!
Jan Munroe says
Rest in peace, Betty.
Kenna McKenzie says
Rest In Peace Betty. I will miss you and all the laughs we had together. Now you are with your Love. Fly high until we meet again.
LAURIE CHRISTOPHERSON says
I will miss you so very much Betty. We shared a special friendship and had lots of fun, playing with our little dogs, fishing, and just enjoying each other’s company. You will hold a very special place in my heart and I will treasure each and every memory of you!! Rest in peace my dear friend!!
Sandy South Lundquist says
So very glad that I was able to visit with you when I traveled through Miles City. You are an Amazing Beautiful Soul and you will be very missed. RIP Aunt Betty, Please give my Parents a huge hug for me, I will see you again.