Betty L. (Althouse) Anderson passed away peacefully on July 8, two weeks after her 87th birthday. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death.
She was born on June 21, 1929 to Clarence J. and Anna C (Krebs) Althouse in Ennis, Montana. She grew up on the ranch on Indian Creek in the Madison Valley, the youngest of five daughters, and attended grade school at the Bear Creek School. Betty graduated from Ennis High School in 1946 at the age of 16 and attended Montana State College.
On July 24, 1949 she married Herb E. Anderson, in Choteau, Montana. They were happily married for 52 years. Betty worked for the ASCS office in Choteau. Their first child, Julie was born in 1953 and in 1954, they moved to Lewistown, Montana, where Herb was employed at Dowen Motors. Mark was born in 1955 followed by Duane in 1958. Betty lovingly cared for her family in their younger years; in 1967, she returned to work as an Elementary School Secretary at Lincoln and Lewis & Clark schools, a job which she dearly loved. She retired in 1992 after 25 years of dedicated service.
Betty was always active as a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Lewistown. She taught Sunday school, served in the Altar Guild, was the church historian, and helped with many dinners and events held at the church.
She was a talented seamstress, and enjoyed making quilts and other crafts. Counted cross stitch was one of her specialties. She made many beautiful gifts for her family and friends.
Betty was a strong, independent, humble, and selfless woman who was greatly loved by her family and friends, and treasured by her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all.
Survivors include her three children; Julie (Ralph) Peck of Helena, Mark (Joan) Anderson of Pittsburgh, PA, and Duane (Marlene) Anderson of Kalispell. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, John (Meg) Peck, Jennifer (George Maina) Kariuki, Adam (Kate) Peck, Daniel Peck, Erin (Chris) Fitzgerald, Jonathan Anderson, Hannah Anderson, and Katie Anderson. She also is survived by 4 great grandchildren, Abigail and Edith Peck, Elizabeth and Julia-Rose Maina, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years in 2001, and by her parents and four sisters.
Betty spent her last four years at Aspen Gardens Assisted Living and her family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the friendly, caring, professional, and compassionate staff. We would also like to thank St. Peter’s Hospice for their wonderful care during Betty’s final months.
Visitation will be held from 1:00-5:00 pm at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue, Helena on Thursday, July 14th. Funeral services will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue, Helena, on Friday, July 15th, at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow immediately in the fellowship hall of the church. A graveside service and Interment will be at the Lewistown City Cemetery, 801 8th Avenue on Saturday, July 16th at 1:00 pm, with a reception to follow at Zion Lutheran Church, 604 W Evelyn St, Lewistown. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, 603 S Main, Kalispell, MT 59901 or to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Ave, Helena, MT 59601, or to a charity of your choosing. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Betty.
Retz Funeral Home in Helena and Creel Funeral Home in Lewistown are in charge of the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday July 14, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 15, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Friday July 15, 2016
Fellowship hall of the church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
1:00 p.m.
Saturday July 16, 2016
Lewistown City Cemetery
801 8th Avenue
Lewistown, Montana 59457
Reception
Following the graveside service
Saturday July 16, 2016
Zion Lutheran Church
604 W Evelyn St
Lewistown, Montana 59457
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday July 14, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 15, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Friday July 15, 2016
Fellowship hall of the church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
1:00 p.m.
Saturday July 16, 2016
Lewistown City Cemetery
801 8th Avenue
Lewistown, Montana 59457
Reception
Following the graveside service
Saturday July 16, 2016
Zion Lutheran Church
604 W Evelyn St
Lewistown, Montana 59457
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Melissa Ramson says
Betty was a amazing woman I enjoyed getting the chance to know and care for her thanks!
Gale Kramlick says
I always loved seeing Betty’s smiling face when I came to visit my Dad at Aspen Gardens. I know she will be missed by all her “family” there as well as her own children and grandchildren.
Roxanne (Roxy) Holland Christofferson says
Julie,
So sorry to read of the passing of your mother. Although I did not know her, she raised a very wonderful daughter. May all your wonderful memories bring you peace at this difficult time.
Ida Thomy Rosenau says
Dea Julie, Mark, and Duane,
Your parents were such an important part of my teen years in Lewistwon. I remember your mom’s chuckles and witty comments when Pam and I would “hang out” with Julie during high school. She was always generous with her time, and wise in her counsel. Her family was the most recent important thing in her life. She was so proud of all her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered and missed with great love.
Don Dieterich says
My condolences to the Anderson family, such a loss for us all, I am so glad to have crossed paths with her on so many occasions, and in so many different contexts. What a great lady, friend, mother, mentor and keeper of the flame. Extra special care needed for Duane and Herb is duly noted…God Speed Betty – A life well lived….I salute you –