Betty Jean Whale, age 94, of Helena

Betty Jean Whale, a devoted wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024, in Helena, Montana, at the age of 94, after a short illness. She was surrounded with love and support by her family. Born on January 14, 1930, in Decatur, Illinois, to Ida and John Fink, Betty grew up in Decatur and embarked on a life filled with adventure, love, and service.

After graduating high school, Betty began working at the Signal Depot, where she met her future husband, Raymond Whale, as he was returning to military duty. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage just two weeks later, and they celebrated 70 wonderful years together in April 2021.

Betty continued working in the engineering office until Ray returned from Korea, and they then moved to Mineral Wells, Texas. There, Betty volunteered with the Red Cross at several clinics, as well as teaching classes to other volunteers. She also held the position of Recruiting Chairman, successfully recruiting approximately 154 volunteers, the largest class in Fort Wolters’ volunteer history. When Ray was stationed in Germany, she joined him, facing new challenges with grace—including learning to play bridge, a game Ray had assured their friends she already knew.

Their first child, Robert, was born in Germany in 1954. The family’s journey continued with Ray’s military career, taking them to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where LuAnn was born in 1958, then to Panama, where Betty volunteered at a mental hospital. In Lima, Peru, their third child, Laura, arrived in 1960. When Betty became pregnant with their fourth child, Nancy, in 1962, she managed a journey home with three young children, exemplifying her resilient spirit.

During Ray’s 18-month deployment in Vietnam, Betty raised their children in Decatur, supported by her extended family. She was actively involved in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, leaving cherished memories for many of the children she mentored.

In 1968, the family settled in Helena, Montana, where Betty became a long-standing member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Her faith was deep and steadfast, leading the prayer chain for 45 years and helping with church offerings. She believed in the divine presence within all people and lived a life defined by grace and kindness.

After Ray’s retirement, Betty took on a new role as a secretary at the Bank of Montana, serving under five presidents. She was also a proud member of the Altrusa Club, where she engaged in community projects alongside other businesswomen.

Betty loved reading, quilting, rug hooking, and crafting, often coming home with bags full of books from the library. She was a talented cook, best known for her delicious pies, which were always requested by Ray’s poker buddies. Her dedication to family extended into her passion for genealogy, where she spent countless hours researching and preserving their ancestry.

She was the salt of the earth and the very definition of grace. Her advice to a dear friend many years ago was, “Bloom where you are planted.” That was our mother, a gentle soul, whose heart of gold and ever-present smile touched all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her children: Robert (Lorraine), LuAnn, Laura (Will), and Nancy (Greg); grandchildren Ryan (Mia), Tyler, Alanna (Kevin), and Gillian (Seán); her brother, Jack (Leah); many nieces and nephews; and cherished friends. She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Raymond; her sisters, Mary and Helen; and her parents, Ida and John Fink.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Helena on November 9th at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Betty’s memory to Family Promise or a charity of your choice.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Saturday November 9, 2024

St. Paul's Unted Methodist Church

512 Logan Street

Helena, Montana 59601

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Reception

Following the Funeral Service

Saturday November 9, 2024

St. Paul's United Methodist Church

512 Logan Street

Helena, Montana 59602

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