Bettye Joy Madison of Jefferson City passed away unexpectedly at her home on May 26, 2014. She was born November 19, 1928 in Memphis, TN. to Thomas and Bessie Lowry. Bettye lived in several places in the south before her Mom and Stepdad, Archie Lockey, moved to Washington, DC. In 1940-1941 the family moved to Butte, MT. where she attended Butte High, graduating in 1945 at the age of 16. After graduation Bettye was employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad and became a telegrapher. After approximately a year she returned home and married A.W. “Sonny” Madison, Jr. on June 1, 1946 and has resided in Jefferson City since.
After a long period of being a stay at home Mom, Bettye worked at the Alhambra Nursing Home, as a cook at the Clancy School, and then became Postmaster in Jefferson City upon the retirement of her Mother-in-law. Bettye was Postmaster for 24 years retiring in 1989.
She enjoyed going to the opera, ballets, Metropolitan Dinner Club, Live at the Civic and road trips. She also enjoyed her years as a 4-H Leader and a lifetime member in the VFW Auxiliary, but most of all she loved and enjoyed her family.
Bettye was preceded in death by her parents (Thomas Lowry and Bessie Lockey), stepdad (Archie Lockey), her husband (Sonny Madison), a half-brother (Joe Lowry) and a Great Grandson (Harley Straight).
She is survived by her children Beth Hohn, Lucy (Tim) Carlson, and William “Lee” Madison and fiance Lisa Mullins and brother-in-law James Madison all of Jefferson City. Also she leaves behind 10 Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great Grandsons, a niece, nephew and numerous cousins.
A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2014 and 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2014. A funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 2, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. with a reception to follow at 1:45 p.m. in the social hall of the funeral home. A graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. at the Jefferson City Cemetery, Jefferson City, MT. Following the graveside service there will be a time of sharing at 4:00 p.m. at the Jefferson City Community Center, 13 1/2 Spring St., Jefferson City, MT. Memorials may be made to Clancy United Methodist Church, 9 N. Main, Clancy, MT, 59634, Lewis and Clark Humane Society, 1712 E. Custer Ave, Helena, MT, 59602, Jefferson City Community Center, 13 ½ Spring St., Jefferson City, MT, or the donors choice in Bettye’s name. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bettye.
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday May 31, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday June 1, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 2, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
1:45 p.m.
Monday June 2, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Graveside Service
3:30 p.m.
Monday June 2, 2014
Jefferson City Cemetery
Jefferson City, MT 59638
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday May 31, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday June 1, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 2, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
1:45 p.m.
Monday June 2, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Graveside Service
3:30 p.m.
Monday June 2, 2014
Jefferson City Cemetery
Jefferson City, MT 59638
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Roxianne Verworn says
Lee, Lucy and Beth and families,
My sincere condolences with the loss of your sweet mom. As you all know Bettye held a very special place in my heart and you have all been like family for over 40 years. She had amazing strength. Now she is with God and many special friends and family that have gone before her. Another angel to watch over her flock. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Anything I can do, do know I am here for all of you.
My love to all of you.
Roxianne
Diana Connick says
Lee, Lisa and all, of course!
I am so very sorry! It sounded as though she passed in her sleep. That would be how Bettye would want it! (And you guys too, if you’d have your ‘rathers’.) It’s a sad time! For all of you…beginning with: Lee/Lisa; Beth; Lucy; and Jim and all of your kids…(too many to name… Let’s see if I can do this from memory…there would be a Zion and Zane and Cassie and Chelsie and Kyle and Crystal and Vincent and Carol (1 that I haven’t met yet) I and then of course, the whole next beginning generations…way too many to name…
Concisely put and more to the point: Bettye was the Matriarch of this huge, wonderful family. She left a wonderful legacy of outstanding family, who do carry on Bettye’s wonderful traits of kindness, compassion, generosity, and love of absolutely everything!
This time, Bettye took a trip, all by herself, (much as she came to Jefferson City, many years ago, on that railroad train)… Only this time, Jefferson City is the beginning and her destination is beyond! “But don’t you worry none”, her Spirit lives on! Bettye will be missed!
Doug, Gwenette, Taelor Ungerman says
Thinking of you all and sending prayers.
Michelle Schaefer says
Dear Lee and family,
May I offer sincere condolences from our family, especially from Mom (Annette) if she could do so in person you know she would. Bettye and all of you were very dear to her, you were very strong family for her. It is some comfort to know now that they are together and laughing and joking and full of peace and love. Take Care and carry on her legacy! Love to you all Michelle Schaefer
Jeff, Julie, Dylan, Layne says
How comforting it is to know that Grandma is watching over Jefferson City from above. We know she was welcomed by God, Kathy, Sonny & all those she missed from here on earth. We will miss her “Come on in” & the stories she would tell about whatever the topic would arise when we showed up; usually uninvited. I can only say we are so blessed to have known her & called her friend. God bless the Madison family
LINDA CHAMBERLIN says
I am very sorry to hear of Bettye’s passing. I was hoping to see her and all of her family this summer when I came through. She was such a fun, thoughtful, caring lady and I know Jefferson City and all the people she knows will miss her tremendously. I know my mom, Margie, will miss her with all her heart as she was a great friend and “sister” for so many years. The world is missing a special light but heaven just got another angel.
Take care of each other now, Madison family. She taught you well. Love, Linda
Barb and Jim McMahon says
Lee and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Connie R. Yeatman (Harwood) says
Dear Beth, Lucy and Lee,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at such a very sad time. Take care and God bless.
eddie cox says
Sorry for your loss my thoughts are with you .
We also has a loss this week auntie mair passed away last Sunday her funeral is this Friday 3 Oct 2014 at st Bruno church in clynnog fawr