Betty Ruth Lee Babcock was born on March 11, 1922 in Aplington, Iowa to Otis Forest “Bill” Lee and Ruth Travis Lee. She joined a ten year old brother, Cloyd “Sonny” Lee. At the age of two, after her mother’s death Betty went to live with her Uncle Elwood “Wood” Lee and his wife Katherine “Nandy” in Glendive, MT where she lived until she married her high school sweetheart Tim Babcock on September 21st, 1941 in Las Vegas, NV. Betty became the First Lady of Montana in 1962 and thus began her tireless work for the state she loved. She represented her state by; writing the First Lady’s cookbook from which proceeds funded several Montana projects, serving on Shodair’s board of directors, becoming a member of the 1972 constitutional convention, serving as a Montana House representative in 1974, chairing the Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation, working with the Montana Historical Society, and representing Montana at seventeen republican conventions. Betty also belonged to the organizations; Beta Sigma Phi, the PEO, Daughters of the American Revolution, Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile.
Betty was truly devoted to her family and friends. More than anything, she loved spending time with them and bragging about them to anyone who would listen. She was dedicated to her family’s genealogy and spent a great deal of time researching and recording the history of her family. She was committed to the core to her causes and beliefs. She was a true patriot’s patriot. Helping others succeed is what made her happiest. For her family she was the fun loving, matriarch, to her friends she was the one you could count on, and to everyone who met her she was genuine and sincere. Her love of God, her dedication to her family and friends, and her unwavering commitment to her country and her state are what we will remember the most about Betty.
Betty is survived by her loving husband, former Gov. Tim Babcock, daughter Lorna Kuney(Bill), grandchildren Lee Ann Ruud(Monte), Tim Kuney(Tina), Ralph Kuney, Phoebe Winchester (Johnny) Mathew Fillinger and great-grandchildren Kate, Lizzy, and Jon Ruud, Jack and Anna Kuney, Connor and Nevan Olson, Trace and Marlee Williams, and Cody, Dylan, and Noemi Fillinger.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Ruth Lee and Wood and Nandy Lee, her brother, Sonny Lee and her daughter, Marla Kay Fillinger.
A Lying in State will be held from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 8, 2013 at the Montana State Capitol Building Rotunda followed by a viewing from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 9, 2013 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan St. A Reception will follow the service from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Red Lion Colonial Ball Room. Private Burial will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Shodair Children’s Hospital, 2755 Colonial Dr. Helena, MT 59601, or to the Montana Capital Restoration Foundation.
Service Schedule
Lying In State
7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 8, 2013
Montana State Capitol Building Rotunda
1301 E 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday August 8, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 9, 2013
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Lying In State
7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 8, 2013
Montana State Capitol Building Rotunda
1301 E 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday August 8, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 9, 2013
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Cheri Meier says
I remember the first time I met Mrs. Babcock thinking how sweet she was. I have since learned how wonderful you all are.
Mrs. Babcock was a woman of strong belief, faith, and love wrapped in a cloak of Grace. I am sorry for your loss.
Cheri Meier
Alana Listoe says
I’m so fortunate to have known Betty. Her class, intelligence, devotion, compassion, and good sense of humor will live on in my memories. She served us all without ever expecting anything in return,; a wonderful example to us all. Thank you, Betty. I’ll never forget you.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Lorna and family, your Mom was a gift to us. She was our friend and our prayer partner and we know right where she is, Heaven’s doors opened wide and she’s up there right now organizing the Angels! She was one of them here on earth. We are better people for having had her love and friendship in our lives. You are all in our prayers!
Valerie Raisch says
To the family of Betty,
What a delightful woman your wife/mom/grandmother was. It was such a pleasure to know her and share the same Women’s Circle when we attended First Presbyterian in Helena many years ago. We now live 2600 miles away so I regret that I won’t be able to attend her service. She was a beautiful lady inside and out and a wonderful First Lady for the state of Montana. God bless you all! Till we meet again.
Peggy Diane Smith says
I met Mr. and Mrs. Babcock several times years ago. We had a nice visit and I was surprised that they still remembered me. I told them I was the one that sold their daughter the monkey way back in the 60″s. Mr. Babcock said “Oh, you’re the one that sold her the monkey?” I said, “Are you mad at me?” “Oh, no..we loved it but it but we always wondered who sold her the monkey!!!!” We had a good laugh. I thought to myself..Here I am talking to a former governor about a monkey..only I would do that! They were so much fun to talk to and made some great memories. My brother, Bill and I enjoyed visiting with them. She was a State Treasure. Bless her heart.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Loved One’s of Betty. Although no words can really help to ease the loss of Betty that you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought & prayer. May the peace that comes from all the Wonderful Memories of Love You Share about your Dear Betty bring comfort to you now & in the days ahead. May you take comfort in knowing that your Angel Betty is watching over you. I too have been very fortunate to know Betty. God Bless
Mae Nan Ellingson says
Dear Tim and family,
It was an honor to serve with Betty at the 1972 Constitutional Convention. She was a lady in ever sense of the word, exhibiting grace, kindness, respect , compromise and a playfulness whenever we disagreed on a issue. She was tireless in her efforts to secure the passage of the Constitutioin , and I for one, believe her efforts made the difference between victory and defeat. And as everyone knows, she did not rest on her laurels after that.
I have enjoyed seeing her at the various Con-Con events since then. I especailly enjoyed her presentation at the law school during the 40th anniversary symposium.
So not only does the present and future generations owe a debt of gratitude to Betty for her work on the Constituion, but also for her work in restoring our glorious State Capitol to its splendor and her countless hours of other service.
On a personal note, the gatherings at your home during the Winter of 1972 were a highlight for me. As a 24 year old woman living in a trailer house, I knew nothing about entertaining or making a lovely home . I was so taken with the charm and ease with which you shared your beautiful home and made all of us feel like we were the most important people in the world.
I am grateful to have know both Betty and Tim. Bless you all.
Lloyd Creek Jr. says
Dear Governor and Family,
Sorry for your loss of Betty. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I met you with my father Lloyd Creek Sr. 45 Yrs. ago at the age of 6, you made me Governor for a day! I remember that day very well. My father passed away 11-14-12 so I’m sending for both of us and hope you get this Mr. Governor. God Bless
Donna Davis says
Dear Tim, Lorna, and Family,
My heart is with you as you grieve over your loss. Betty was “family” to me since I was born. She and Mom (Leta Thompson) were best friends from the time they were little girls growing up in Glendive. Betty was my godmother–and a wonderful one she was! Her passing is a personal loss for those who knew her, but she leaves a wonderful legacy. Please know we loved her, and she will live on in our memories. She was warm, caring, faithful, and strong—a wonderful woman! Rest well, Betty. We’ll miss you.
Ross Cannon says
My sympathies to the Babcock family. She was a great lady.
Leta Thompson says
Betty and I became best friends when she moved to Glendive at 4 years old. Our friendship has lasted for 86 years. Even though our lives were different, we always were best friends. I dearly loved her and was so proud of all the things she did as a first lady. When we lived in Montana she always included me in all her special things including the Governor’s Convention in West Yellowstone. She was going to come and see me but called three days before she died and said she was having health problems and couldn’t come. I loved her so much and will miss my best friend. my blessings to Tim and the family.
JoAnn Piazzola, DAR says
I was fortunate enough to work on Betty’s Daughters of the American Revolution application. I knew she had a patriot, but it took much time and research to find all of the documentation needed to submit the application. We made it and we were so proud to have Betty as a member of Oro Fino Chapter in Helena and know she was just as proud to be a member. We will all miss her.
Jan Keane says
Dear Tim, Lorna and family,
We share in your grief. Betty has been a big part of our family for as long as I can remember. She and my Mom, Leta Thompson, were dear friends. She and Betty stayed close even though they lived very different lives and were miles apart.
Betty and Tim helped us, two young kids, have a honeymoon almost 40 years ago. We flew to Helena and they put us up in the bridal suite at the Colonial and gave us a key to their cabin for the week. Betty was like a second Mom to me. She was always a gracious hostess. I always felt very special whenever I was around her. I loved her humor, warmth and intelligence. What a one-of-a-kind lady she was. What a blessing to have known her.
May God give you peace at this difficult time. Love, Jan and Jim Keane
Ron Hathaway says
So sorry for your loss. My folks use to share their memories with Tim and Betty all the time.
How time does fly! May Betty rest in peace. Ron and Ginny Hathaway, Miles City.
Linda Holden says
Dear Family of Betty,
Betty was a great inspiration to me. Her leadership, work ethic, sweet gracious spirit and
encouragement made her a dear friend. I enjoyed the times when we were at Bible study together. She is now in the arms of our Lord and savior Jesus. My deepest sympathy.
Valerie Antimuro says
One of the best memories of my life will always be coming to Montana to film a United Airlines commercial at the Ox Bow Ranch. Because of it, I was fortunate enough to meet Betty, Tim and their family. She welcomed me along with the entire Japanese film crew into their family. I will always remember the dinner they hosted for us at the ranch. I am saddened to learn of her passing, but truly believe she is working diligently on some cause up in heaven.
I will always remember her as a kind, loving human being. Rest in Peace, Betty. And thanks for the memories.
Sincere condolences to the family.