Beth (Jeanne Elizabeth) Nelson Scanlan, age 84, passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, at her home on Kerr Drive on September 20, 2010.
Born on May 3, 1926, in Helena, Montana, Beth was the middle child of five children born to Ernest A. Nelson and Effie Mae McLeod Nelson.
She attended Helena and East Helena public grade schools. After completing three years of high school in Helena, she graduated from high school in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
Beth was a survivor who lived through childhood typhoid, the Great Depression, and the devastation of her beloved hometown Helena following the earthquake of October 1935. As a child during the Great Depression, Beth and her little sister, ages five and four, sold Montana Record Herald newspapers in front of the Placer Hotel. After the earthquake, her family moved to a farm in East Helena that had no electricity, hot water, or indoor plumbing. Beth often remarked she lived as the pioneers did for several years and felt she was a better person for having experienced that lifestyle. While on the farm, she mastered cooking and baking on a wood cook stove and helped with the daily chores, including plucking one hundred fifty chickens each week for the Broadwater Hotel restaurant and plowing the fields behind their horse, Knight.
After returning to Helena in 1944, Beth worked as a bookkeeper at Power Townsend Company. In 1953, she married A. James “Jim” Scanlan. Between 1954 and 1966, Beth and Jim were blessed with four children—Rick, Dave, Jeanne, and Joe. In 1972, after Jim’s untimely death, Beth became the sole provider for her four children and started working at Mountain Bell Telephone Company. During this time, she also purchased the family home on Kerr Drive, and their home became the scene of many happy gatherings for friends and family. While at Mountain Bell, Beth advanced in her career from an administrative clerk to an administrative assistant in the construction office to the state construction manager, a position from which she retired in 1990. She was well-loved by all of the construction crew who worked for her.
After her retirement from Mountain Bell, Beth was actively involved in the Mountain Bell Pioneers and Helena Heritage Soroptimist Club. She loved her years spent tying and hanging all of the bows for the Festival of Trees and tirelessly working estate sales for the Soroptimists. She also enjoyed traveling—whether it was to see Europe or visit her four children and their families.
Beth was preceded in death by her husband Jim Scanlan, her parents Ernest and Effie Mae Nelson, and her brother Lloyd Nelson. Survivors include Beth’s daughter Jeanne Roske and her husband Joe and their children Eric and Erin (Enumclaw, WA) and Beth’s three sons: Joe and his wife Sheila (Kent, WA); Dave and his wife Kathy and their children Jenna, Connor, and Kaitlyn (Renton, WA); and, Rick and his wife Barb and their children Aaron, Jack, Greg, Josh, Danielle, and Alexis (Fort Collins, CO). Beth has one great-granddaughter, Rachel. Beth is also survived by her sister Betty Jane Stromberg, her husband Walt, and their children Soni, Wally, and Jody; her sister Doris Buswell and her children Scott, Marcia, Anita, and Joyce; and, many great-nieces and great-nephews. No list of family would be complete without including Tom and Sharon Harris and Scott and Colleen Lindsay.
Beth will be remembered for her hospitality, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor. She will always be loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Family will be receiving friends Friday, September 24, 2010 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home from 4 -5:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Sat., Sept. 25, 2010 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Chapel.
Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Helena Heritage Soroptimist Club, P.O. Box 6467, Helena, MT 59604.
Kip and Sue says
Beth, I guess we didn’t get to see each other much for the last lots of years, but you filled our hearts in life and nothing has changed. From being my best friends’ fun Mom and Aunt since I was 6 or so to being the only one who made any sense at Mountain Bell to Sue, you’ve always been a bright light. I think of you every few months when I remember some advice you gave me that I know was right, blast ya. That sly glint in your eye will be with us forever–a wry, warm, make-you-laugh wonderful gift. Boy, we so owe you.
Amy Orser says
I moved from Helena last March and only learned about my friend,Beth, today.
I am devestated.
A finer person would be hard to find. She helped me tremendously when I was pres. of Soroptimist. She was always kind and gracious and so patient. Her little giggle was so cute and she did love a good joke.
We talked alot about you kids. She loved you so much and I know how much you will miss her. Heaven is a better place now.
Jody Sandru says
Thanks for being there for me throughout my life Aunt Bit! From marching me home to change my dirty clothes to riding the helicopter with Kjersten to Great Falls you were there every step of the way. Your pearls of wisdom, hugs, and support will live on and I’m looking for my pennies from heaven from you! Love you a bushel and a peck forever! XOXOXXO
Renee Pipinich says
Beth was a compassionate kind giving real friend. She was a very good friend to my mother and when my mother passed(Lee Smith) she was a great friend to me. Se will be missed terribly.She is an inspiration for being a capible strong person who could make it through anything with a positive attitude.
Mark Spiroff says
To the family of Mrs. Beth (my other mom) Scanlan,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Beth was a great lady, always took care (of us all), bandaged our scraped knees, hosted our Boy Scout meetings and was a great example of what it means to be “a Mom”
We will all miss her
Jerry Starkel says
Beth, I only met you once but I feel like I know you. You were a remarkable lady and my Sheila is blessed to have had you for a mother-in-law. Your rewards in heaven will be many. My condolences to your wonderful family. WOW! What a legecy you have left us. God speed.
Art Thompson says
Nothing portended a good time more surely than this: “We’re going to Aunt Beth’s.” Full of life. All about family. And always giggling! Thank you for your many kindnesses to me and sincerest condolences to that whole wonderful family.
Carolyn Pelletier says
To the Scanlan Family,
My very deepest sympathy on your loss. Our mother’s paths crossed many times during their lives. I know Beth will be greatly missed by her family and friends. All your many memories will comfort you during this difficult time.
Stacia (Reynolds) Hollar says
Jeanne and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Your mother certainly had many varied experiences in life and lived it to its fullest. May time and fond memories bring you peace.
Stacy
Rhonda Tom and Kayla says
Beth, you have been in Tom and Kayla’s life since day one. You will be in our thoughts everyday. Thanks for going to the kids events at school. You were very special in our lives.
Shirley Cole says
Beth was a special person. I was blessed by knowing her. My deepest sympathy to her family may God bless you all and keep you safely in His hands.
Connie Sands Jerome says
Dave, Kathy, and family, I am so sorry for your loss, You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Connie
Richard and Mary Purnell says
We know what a joy Beth was to Tom and Sharon. She was a big part of their life.
Epiphania says
I’m so glad my kid gave up the potty and sits on the toilet. My only fear is he might aidacentclly drop a toy in the water. And then Super Mommy will need to save the day.Pros and cons to every parenting decision.Aside: he (almost 22mo) recently learned the word fart , and knows it is associated with poop somehow. I don’t know why, but fart as word makes him laugh. I’m amazed that toilet humor starts so young!Aside2: it was only 7 days later that I helped him associate stinky smelly with the concept of fart . So it couldn’t have been the disgust factor initially.