Donald Reid “Don” Betts left this world for a greater place on February 11, 2021. He was born to Eddis Reid and Gladys Irene (Kelch) Betts on September 23, 1930, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Anyone who met Don was greeted with a big smile, jovial outlook and became an instant friend. He was a kind, sincere and loving Christian man.
Don was an all-star basketball player for South Summit High School and also played on many LDS basketball teams. He loved to fish throughout his life and loved animals. In his youth, he often rode his horse (Peanut) and took his ranch dog (Shep) fishing with him. His mother, Gladys, used to ride Peanut in the rodeo and she won many awards on him. He often talked about his German Shepherd (Chief). He used to take all the grand kids fishing and he enjoyed helping them learn how to bait a hook and fish. In Salt Lake Don coached the Jordan Little League.
He worked on their family farms in Kamas and North Salt Lake, Utah. His father and grandfather were both postmasters in North Salt Lake and he helped his stepmom, Norma, so much over many years. He loved being an outdoors man, loved country western music, reading Louis L’Amour books and greatly enjoyed his bowling teams. He was an avid bowler where he made many friends. He bowled on many leagues, won many awards and often competed in city, state and national competitions. He never broke 300 but came close with a score of 299.
Don spent 35 years as a nursing assistant for the Veterans Administration. He worked at VA Centers in Salt Lake City, Denver, Seattle and the last 17 years at Fort Harrison in Helena before retiring in 1991. During his time as a nursing assistant, he received many performance awards. His most cherished was the prestigious Secretary of Veterans Affairs Hands and Heart Award that is generally given to doctors or nurses. He especially enjoyed helping train nursing students from Carroll College that would receive some of their education at the Fort Harrison VA Center.
He met the love of his life at a dance at the U&I Club in East Helena. He and Violet Brydich were married by Justice of the Peace A.H. Mues on April 7, 1978 with his son, Gary Betts, and Vi’s daughter, Mary Brydich, standing up for them. Their children surprised them with a 25th Anniversary party where they renewed their vows before all seven of their children, their families and friends. Don’s daughter, Iris Betts-Barratt, officiated. Don and Vi would have been married 43 years on April 7. They had an amazing relationship based on love, respect, friendship and the importance of family. They both enjoyed camping, visiting family in his camper in Utah and Texas, dancing, playing cards and bingo. In their younger days, they could really cut a rug!
Before his dementia progressed, Don wrote beautiful poetry. Vi and others usually found poetry in their greeting cards. In 2019, Don moved to Apple Cooney Rehab as Vi could no longer take care of him; she remained at Eagle’s Manor. The separation was very hard. They would talk two or three times a day on the phone and saw each other frequently until COVID-19. COVID-19 was especially hard as Don was primarily restricted to his room the past year for safety concerns.
Don was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the Moose Lodge #1. He is preceded in death by his father Eddis, his mother Gladys, his stepmom Norma and many aunts and uncles.
Don is survived by his wife Vi Betts, his brother David Betts – Taylorsville UT and his children: Daniel (& Mary) Betts – Mesquite NV, Iris (& Mike) Barratt – Oakridge OR, Gary Betts – Lakewood WA, Janet (& Eldon) Price – Ferron UT and Terry Dieckmann (& Shana) –Dinosaur UT; Vi’s children Mary Brydich (& Jay Kneifel) – Bozeman MT and Matt M. Brydich III – East Helena MT; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
The family would like to warmly thank the staff at Apple Cooney Rehab for their loving care over the past two years, especially during this difficult pandemic; the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for the exceptional care shown in Don’s final days; and a special thanks to Drs. Weiner, Wampler and Perry.
Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a reception to follow the service in the Social Hall of the funeral home. Burial will follow the reception at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Ann’s Cemetery, PO Box 525, East Helena MT 59635 or the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 E Custer Ave, Helena, MT 59602. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Don.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 14, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday August 14, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Saturday August 14, 2021
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 14, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday August 14, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Saturday August 14, 2021
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Jean Stump Strainer and Anthony Strainer says
Violet – we are saddened to hear of Don’s passing. May the memories of your many years together bring you comfort, and may our Good Lord bring you peace. On behalf of the Stump and Strainer families, we send you our condolences.
Dana Covert says
My fondest memory is that I always got to bowl with Donald, and just loved him, and his wife. You will be missed, Donald. Love your friend, Dana Covert
Ann mcmillan says
My dearest grand father. I would like to thank u for accepting all 3 of us girls. U took us in and taught us many lessons in life. Now you have great great grand children as well of 6 great great great grand babies. We all love you and going to miss u with all of our hearts
Keri henwood and the kids says
I’m so sorry for your loss.. I will always remember him as grandpa but not by blood.. I have great memories of 4th of july parties at there house in east helena. How he would make everyone hold hands and say pray before dinner. His wife would invite anyone off the street to grab a plate of food.. He will be missed..
Rebekka/Kent Dodge says
Vi – I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Don. This is such sad news. He was one of the kindest men I knew. I am thinking of you and Mary. I didn’t know the rest of Don’s family but I wish them condolences, also.
Betty Brewer says
Violet, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was the sweetest man and I truly loved him. He was such a sweet friend to my Mom Virginia Russell at Eagles Manor. You both were always so kind to her. She adored you both. Don would always come over to her table at dinner amd give her a hug. Don’s smile could melt you from a mile away. You two amd your love for each other showed every moment. Don absolutely adored you. I am sure he and my mom are catching up on everything in Heaven right this very moment. I pray that God holds you and your whole family in His loving arms and grants you peace. Don will be missed by each and everyone and we willl cherish his beautiful smile and the kindness he showed to everyone. He was truly a total gentleman. Rest In Peace Don. You will never be forgotten.
Anna Pennington says
Sweet Vi..my love and prayers to you always! Love Anna Hallauer Pennington.
Sherry Dieckmann Mccleskey says
Dearest Vi my deepest Condolences to and my Siblings. I so enjoyed our sweet conversation on the telephone. After talking I had a memory of Brandy, Danny’s Oldest Daughters Wedding. How beautiful it was to see Don in his tan leisure suit, my Dad, you and my Mom dressed Beautifully all setting together. Grandma Mellen With her straw hat with pink roses. Everyone laughing and having a wonderful time and enjoying each other’s Company. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rev. Iris Barratt says
Our dad was a kind and loving man, who will be greatly missed. When we were young, people in public would think he was Check Conners from the TV show the rifleman! He looked so much like him. His last words to me were about making sure all of our family knows how much he loves us all. Especially in his final years, he was total sweetness, gratitude and love. I pray I may be the same when my time comes!
SPECIAL THANKS to Mary Brydich and Dena McGee for all the hands-on support, caring and service you offered to both he and Vi! So very much appreciate by all family and friends! Big hugs!
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Dear Vi, Mary, and all of Don’s Family,
Don was a wonderful man-so humble and kind. Blessings to all of you, and may you find comfort in the memories and love.
Rick Pyfer says
Vi, Mary and other family members of Don, I was very sorry to read of Don’s passing. When he joined mom at Apple Cooney for a time I saw him frequently and he enjoyed the piano playing I did for mom, him and others in the lounge. Always a smile and a friendly greeting and before his time in Nursing Care, always at Vi’s side. The prayers of the Pyfer family are sent your way. Peace be with you all as you mourn this good man.
Gary says
I think about all the times my dad said let’s go get cup of coffee. I never know where that would be..one day at Yellowstone the next at Jackson hole .or at the ranch house..I never know where the next place would be..always keep me guessing where that coffee would be..I loved that…
Marianne Hamel says
Vi and family. I was so deeply saddened to hear of Don’s passing. I remember him as a sweet, kind man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish we could visit in person and I could give you a hug, Vi. Hopefully soon. My sincere sympathy is with you.
James Maher says
To Don’s Family,
I knew Don for many years. He was a great individual. The world is a lesser place after his passing. My condolences to family and friends nn