Betty Jean McDonald, 86, passed away, Friday, August 20 at St. Peter’s Hospital.
She was born to the late Henry and Marie Evans on December 10, 1923 in Helena, Montana. Betty married Nicholas R. Mergenthaler in 1945 and they divorced in 1963. They had three children. Betty then met and married Charles E. McDonald (Chuck) on July 31, 1967 and they just recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary.
Betty and Chuck lived in Kalispell and owned the McDonald School of Music from 1968 to 1978. Betty was also an avid painter, and attended Carroll College where she studied art. Betty’s paintings were shown in art shows all over the Northwest, including Canada. Her art won Best of Show and the People’s Choice awards during these shows.
In 1980, Betty and Chuck relocated to Helena and owned and operated High Country Plumbing until their retirement in 2000. Her favorite activities were hunting and fishing with her family and friends.
Betty is survived by her husband, Chuck and three children: David Mergenthaler of Kalispell, Roger (Martha) Mergenthaler of Helena, Lynn (Judy) Mergenthaler of Kalispell, and her sister, Barbara Toftley of Seattle. She is also survived by her son-in-¬law, Jim Cooper of Unionville as well as 14 grandchildren and numerous great-¬grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and a nephew. Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Claudette Cooper (Jim) of Unionville.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Saturday, September 18 at the family home, 406 S. Park in Helena from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. For information, please call 406-442-4872. In lieu of flowers, it was Betty’s wish that donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Burn Centers, 911 W. 5th Ave., Spokane WA 99204.
Debbie Gunderson says
Chuck and family,
I am sorry to see that Betty has passed. She always brighten up my day each week when she came to get her hair done. I loved her humor. She will be missed deeply. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Chuck and the rest of your family. If you need anything please feel free to call me.
Friends Forever,
Debbie Gunderson
Eric Sutter says
It took me back when I saw Betty’s picture. How I have missed seeing her. I didn’t know that Claudia had passed away. Very sorry to here that they both have gone. I will miss them. My prayers are with you all.
Michele says
Grandma “ I’’ll Miss you so much , but I know you are with mom now .. I pray we will get through this time without you both … tell we meet again I love you ..?
Joseph Crownover says
I didn’t know Betty but I recently purchased a painting of hers called ‘Cool Water’ based on a song by Sons Of The Pioneers. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it! She had great talent, researching the artist I stumbled upon her obituary. Her art will live on and bring many smiles to all who see it. Rest in peace Betty.