Betty Brown (87) of Helena passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 29th. Betty was born on November 23, 1936 to Nellie and Lloyd Stickney in Helena. A middle child with two sisters; Joyce and Ruthie, she grew up roaming the west side of Helena; and spent her early years hanging out in the mountains and helping build the cabin on the Little Blackfoot. She attended Helena schools, graduating from Helena High in 1954. She faithfully attended the weekly beer and wings get together every Wednesday with her fellow classmates and friends over the last 20 years!
Betty met Jim Brown in 1955 when she recruited him for an ice skating show she was producing and the rest, as they say; is history. Betty and Jim were married in 1958. They had four children, David, Janet, Diane and what’s her name…. (Susan).
Betty began working at the A.M. Holter Hardware store in Helena during high school. She was proud of the fact that she was the last remaining employee when they shut down the store in 1958. She began typing Christmas letters for The Helena Letter Shop and quickly became the bookkeeper where she continued to work for over 20 years. During this time Jim and Betty built their first apartment building on the ”blighted” south side of Helena, living in the apartments as they finished construction. They soon acquired the house on South Beattie along with more apartments. The house became their primary resident where Betty and Jim remodeled, renovated and raised a family. She and Jim traveled extensively in the years after the kids ran away from home. From train trips and river cruises both here and abroad to ocean cruises and tours. China, Australia, Europe, and Mexico to name a few; but Africa was one place she DID not want to go!
She cherished the time that she and Jim spent at the cabin on the Little Blackfoot. Christmas tree hunts, x-country skiing, fishing, pig roasts and cribbage were among the numerous activities that the cabin saw. She loved entertaining family and friends. The more that showed up the more she loved it!
Her sense of service led her into volunteering at which she excelled. Betty began volunteering in the childrens’ schools as well as at St Peter’s Episcopal church. Over the years, her volunteer efforts were extensive. From election judge, to the YWCA, to tour guide at the old Governor’s Mansion, she was continually looking for ways to give back. She logged over 40 years volunteering at St Peter’s Hospital. Pushing around the hospitality cart for patients, running the patient representative program, managing the gift shop, and serving as the President for the St Peter’s Association were a just a few of the many roles she filled.
In 1989 she helped start the VA Thrift Shop at Fort Harrison which was set up to help military families in need of financial aid. She helped in many areas over the years, from bookkeeping, organizing and sorting to picking up deliveries. She continued to support the thrift shop until her death. The Independent Record called her “Volunteer Extraordinaire” in a 2008 exposé!
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jim; four children, David (Ann) of Sheridan WY, Janet (Lane) of Helena, Diane (Tim) of Boise, ID and Susan (Jeff) of Boise ID; a sister-in-law, Edie Landry along with 7 grandchildren, one great granddaughter; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as a number of close friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 7th at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral followed by a reception at the church. A Celebration of Life will be held at the family cabin on the Little Blackfoot River on July 4th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VA Thrift Shop scholarship fund, the Montana Military Museum, P.O. Box 125, Ft. Harrison, MT 59636 or a charity of your choice in memory of Betty Brown.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 7, 2024
St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday June 7, 2024
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Cathy (Pullin) and Greg Kovich says
Jim and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The special, life-long friendship of our parents has been a blessing for us children to experience as well. May the many, many wonderful memories replace the sorrow of the loss of Betty, such a special gal!
Patti Scott says
Whoever wrote this tribute did a great job! Jimmy and Betty were always fun, and this “trait” was clearly inherited!
when someone like Betty becomes so much a part of our Culbertson-Casey family, we tend to forget she had a life before becoming a Brown! I will always remember this beautiful gal!
Patti Casey Scott
Jeff Havens says
Dear Jim and survivors of Betty,
I met Betty and Jim a few times, as a tenant. They made a great and impressive couple, and both were always considerate and very kind.
Having lost both my son and parents of late, I think I understand, and wish only the best for everyone during the grieving process and well beyond.
Doris Romanisko says
Knowing Betty from her many years as a member and then President of SPH Association, I can attest to her commitment and dedication to her volunteer work. She was informed and thoughtful in all of her deliberations. She will be missed by our community and the organizations and people she served.
Judy kembel says
We were renters of Jim and Betty’s on corner of first and Beatty. The best landlords ever that was back in 1967. We have remained friends through all these years. Our children played with the brown children and they to this day talk to memories of fun times with the Browns, may all of those precious memories comfort all of you at this time. Betty was a very special friend.
Rita Tenneson says
When you lose a wonderful friend like Betty, you lose a piece of your heart. Ted and I spent some interesting times with Betty & Jim.
Betty was there for me when Ted was in the hospital in Salt Lake and showed up with a carload of supplies for us when we had a very bare apartment. She was there for me after Ted died & got me out of the house. I will never forget our friendship. I feel an important part of all our lives is missing without her, but she will always remain in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jamsie, and your entire family. May the love she gave you sustain you during this sad time. Sending love. Rita
John & Cherie Dahl says
Jim was a friend from our National Guard days and we’re so sorry about Betty passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏
Karl E Kallin says
Diana and Susan
I extend my deepest sympathy to both of you, and your Dad
Your mom was a help to Karen, and the two of you were great Worthy Advisers for her
Your Mom has gone to a great place
Where she and Karen can work together again
Karl Kallin
Tami Bartraw says
Diane, Susan & family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was such a lovely person. I know you were very close. My sincere condolences to you and your and your family.
I always remember your mom helping us find a place in L.A. she was so patient 🙂 She had faith in us and told us we could do anything. I’ve never forgotten that.
May she rest in Peace