Betty Jo (BJ) Denney passed away, with her brother by her side, on August 18, 2012 in Helena, Montana after a long and courageous struggle with multiple sclerosis. Betty was born in Hamilton, Montana on February 13, 1949 to Ernest and Clara Desonia. All four of her grandparents homesteaded in northeastern Montana.
Betty attended schools in Fairview, Conrad and Plentywood, Montana. In school, she enjoyed her friends, piano, music, swimming and 4-H. As a child, she wanted to grow up to be a ballet dancer. She attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, Virginia Union University in Richmond and received her BA from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1972. Betty worked for the School of Public and International Affairs at GWU during this time. DC was a time of significant personal growth for Betty.
Following the death of her father, Betty returned to Helena in 1974 and worked for the Secretary of State’s office, before returning to Carroll College for further study in medical records management.
After her diagnosis with MS at age 26, she moved to Seattle, Washington where she met her husband Tim Denney. They were married on August 28, 1980. She chose not to have children of her own, but to have cats instead. They became important companions in her life. Following Tim’s death from MS in 1994, Betty returned to Helena and lived independently until 2002, when she moved to an assisted living facility in Missoula. She later moved into a nursing home in Missoula, when her care needs increased. When she no longer was able to keep her cat, she returned to Helena again and has resided at Big Sky Care Center since 2011, to be near her brother. Although Betty was a very private person, she handled her disability with wit and grace to the end. Thanks are extended to the staff of Big Sky Care Center, St. Peter’s Hospital and previous caregivers for their good care and friendship.
Preceding Betty in death were her husband, Tim Denney, her father and mother, her sister Gloria Rusch and her brother Clint Desonia.
Surviving her are her twin brother, Bruce Desonia and his partner Shirley Palmer of Helena and numerous cousins and extended family.
A memorial service will be held at the Chapel of St. Peter’s Hospital at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 24, 2012. Interment of Betty’s cremated remains and another memorial service will take place at a later date in Plentywood, Montana. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Betty’s name may be sent to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to your local animal shelter. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to see other photos, offer a condolence or share a memory of Betty.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday August 24, 2012
Chapel at St. Peter's Hospital
2475 Broadway Street
Helena, MT 59601
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Carol Christensen says
Bruce- I am so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. She was a brave and courageous woman and I have memories of visiting her in Helena-once in her home with Mom and Dad, and once at her job when I was on a school trip. I remember how amazed I was at her determination and spirit. It sounds like that held true to the end. My thoughts and prayers are with you dear cousin. Love, Carol
Ken and Molly Olson says
Bruce, Molly and I send our sincere condolences. From your comments and actions over many years, I knew of your love and deep caring for Betty Jo and some of the many things you did to help and support her. You have been a great brother to her and are In our thoughts and prayers.
Omar and Sue Ellen Olson says
Dear Bruce and Family, We share your loss of Betty Jo and send you our deepest sympathies. The love Betty Jo had for you and all living things added greatly to her years, as did the unremitting care and love you richly bestowed on her. Both Betty Jo and you are an inspiration. May God bless Betty Jo and you.
Esther Olson says
Bruce, I am thinking of you and Betty’s loved ones. I know her spirit will continue to bless everyone she touched with her wonderful life.
Larry Sem says
Although I never knew Betty later in life, reading her story is truley inspiring. I went to school with her in Plentywood (same graduating class) and remember her and her family well. God bless you Betty. You’re going to a better place.
Jeff Smith says
Bruce: Sorry to read about Betty, I did not know she had MS. I think about both of you every now and then and wondered where you ended up. I remember the PWood days and the Green Giant dress up day at Roys. I went back to the 100th Anniversary of Plentywood, not a lot of changes, nice to get back for a small visit. Steve Zeidler is about the only one I know anymore in Plentywood. Always have and always will love Plentywood. Take care Jeff Smith
Lois DeFord says
Dear Bruce and Shirley, My sincere Sympathy to the family.
Tama Lutsko says
BJ will be missed by so many people–including me! Her wit and smile always gave me such joy. I wish I knew her longer…thank you Bruce and Shirley for telling me about her younger years. My thoughts go out to you for your loss and the hole her passing leaves in your life. Love, Tama
Don Pratt says
Bruce: I was so sorry to here of the passing of your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. If there is anything I can do please cal on me. The Lord’s peace be with you.
Dianne (Rogney) Torgerson says
Bruce…so sorry to hear of Betty passing. I had lost touch after your family moved. You lived just across the street from us. You were my age. I also remember Clinton, whom was Doug’s age. Doug passed on his birthday 2011. He was a doctor in Wytheville, VA, but had ALS. I sounds as if Betty suffered some as well. My you find healing in her memories and those sending comforting words. God Bless