Elizabeth “Betty” Vogl Walker
During the early morning of October 17, 2022, Betty (age 81) passed away in her home surrounded by her children and canine companion Nikki. Betty was an amazing mom, grandma, great grandma, wife, sister, daughter and friend. She desperately fought to stay with us, but is finally at rest with her Lord & loved ones.
Betty was born in Lewistown MT on February 20, 1941 to Leo & Helen Vogl. She was the second of seven fun-loving and endearing children. Betty graduated from St. Leo’s High School. In between getting caught smoking cigarettes and cigars with her friends, she was honored for scoring in the top 10% of the nation in math. She then traveled to Des Moines, Iowa to attend one of the first IBM computer schools in the nation. Upon completion, she was offered several positions across the country but she held out for a job in Montana. Betty was proud of the fact that she forged the way for women working in technical jobs at the Montana State Department of Labor.
In October of 1960, Betty went on a blind date with Don Walker and met the love of her life. Three weeks later they were engaged and married in April of 1961. For 6 years, Don traveled while Betty worked and raised their four J’s: Jim, Jodi, and twins Joan & John. In 1968, they built a home in the Helena valley that is still the central gathering place for multiple generations. Don & Betty enjoyed 57 years of marriage.
In 1970, Don and Betty were invited to hunt for petrified wood and were instantly hooked. They became lifetime members of the Helena Mineral Society. They loved being outdoors and passed on this love to their children by spending every weekend camping, digging for rocks, or just piling the kids into the back of the Wagoneer to go for a drive. Don taught Betty to facet stones and she was proud of the jewelry she created. Betty loved music and used to play drums for the kids while Don sang and played the guitar. She loved to dance, garden, read and work on crafts including leather work.
Betty had a smile and kind words for everyone she encountered. She loved visiting with her many friends in the neighborhood, Pinochle Club, Red Cross events, and church. She could turn a quick run to the store into a social event and made everyone feel special.
She adored her four kids and multiple grandkids. She was the trusted shoulder we could depend on. Later in life, her greatest joy was being cared for by her children. Betty felt that one of her greatest blessings was knowing that each of her children has a personal relationship with Jesus. She had an unwavering faith in God and loved to attend Catholic Mass. Betty felt that caring for others was a way to serve God and used her time and financial resources to help those in need.
Betty is survived by sisters, Kay Vogl Duncan, Barbara Vogl; brothers, TJ (Ronnie) Vogl, Ed (Lynn) Vogl; brother-in-law, Gary Grose; sisters-in-law, Judy (Roy) Reynolds, Debbie Walker; children, Jim (Anya) Walker, Jodi Walker (Dale) Smith, Joan (Scott) Tabbert, John (Edie Ann) Walker; grandchildren, Liuda Karaseva, Liza Walker, Tara D’Avis, Victoria (Dan) Hinther, Logan & Kyle Tabbert, Tucker, Brenna, Leo & Mia Walker, Rivers Macias; great grandsons, Malachi Swoger, Raylan & Everett Hinther.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Don Walker; parents, Leo Vogl & Helen Vogl Fallini; step father, Joe T Fallini; in-laws, James & Ellen (Gottbreht) Walker; an infant daughter, Victoria Lynn; sisters, Joann Zirschky Vogl, Patricia Vogl Grose; brother-in-law, Jerry Walker; son-in-law, Everett Smith; grandsons, Denis Karasev, Andrew James Walker.
Our hearts are broken at the loss of our dear sweet Momma, but we know it’s not goodbye. We’ll see you soon Mom. A very special thank you to EPAGA Home Care of Helena, St. Peter’s Palliative Care team and St. Pete’s Hospice.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Valley, 1502 Shirley Rd in Helena on Thursday November 3rd at 11am with burial immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m. to Noon
Thursday November 3, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd
Helena, MT
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Thursday November 3, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m. to Noon
Thursday November 3, 2022
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd
Helena, MT
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Thursday November 3, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena,
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Tammy Stefanik says
Betty was the sweetest woman. My girls and I loved seeing her at church and catching up. She was always more concerned with how my family was doing than any complaint she might have. She was faithful, gentle, and loving. She will be missed. Prayers to the entire family.
Michelle & James Olson says
As you know, my Betty was a special friend and I will truly miss her. Thank you for letting James & I & our team take care of her. I will miss her little shuffle and our a.m. chats bedside sometimes for over an hour. Love to you all
Maradell Lafrance says
Betty and her husband have been friends for more then 50 years…She was the secretary of the Helena Gem and Mineral Society for some years..she displayed the bolo ties he made with stones at the Mineral society’s yearly show and sale long after his passing..We sat together in church for years until covid encouraged me to stay home. I am 20 years her senior and in good health so I felt so bad over her health problems.. Maradell lafrance
Kayel Jones says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family! What a great life she created with all the memories that will continue to be shared for years to come. Hugs to you all.
Pam. Ratliff says
Growing up with my cousin blessed my life during all the years we were separated as adults. Big hugs to all of you. We are family though far apart.
ron Shields says
Don and Betty are faithful friends and neighbors. Blessing to the family. Ron & Addie Shields
Lynn says
I was one of those young women starting with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry in 1977. We called her Betsy. She not only was one of the only women in the IT shop but she was old school and could talk to you and help you understand! She always had a smile, which went all the way to her eyes, was patient and kind! A great role model. Happy she’s with the Lord worshipping! Lynn Long
korene McGuire says
Bets was our forever friend…Introduced them on a blind date! She was the kindest, caring, sweet friend in the world!! We feel so blessed. She was our genuine “forever friend” Her laugh was so heart warming…..Always admired her needlepoint, her gem cutting, leather work, etc…..So thankful we shared some special visits and laughs when she couldn’t get out much any longer. She was a saint living with a tarantula in her living room! We played pinocle every month for over 60 years with the same “girls” losing 1 who passed away & 2 moved. She was a saint living with an enormous tarantula in her living room!
Her children were always very special to us. Rest peacefully my friend til we meet again. I’ll bring our red shoes so we can win a race in Heaven!
Special blessings Jim, Jody, Joan & John Korene & Jerry McGuire