Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Scott, wife of the late J. Walter Scott, passed away May 29 at St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by her family after a lengthy illness. She is survived by all five children: Bob (Joanne) Scott of Townsend, Mark (Julie) Scott recently of Salt Lake City, Ann Marie (Todd) Magill of Helena, Eric Scott of Denver, and Janice (Greg) Morrison of Helena as well as by 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walt (2009); her parents; brothers Charles Christensen and Miles O’Hara; sisters Shirley Kevlen, Eileen Sumter, and Eleanor Kriner; and nephews Mike Sumter and Ernie Christensen.
Betty was born January 25, 1938 in Newport, Rhode Island, to Ernest Adolph and Mary Ellen (McCarthy) Christensen at the Newport Hospital as the youngest of six. She graduated from Rogers HS taking a job as a bookkeeper at Hospital Trust Co. Bank. She moved to Montana then to California where she married Walt Scott. In 1969, they moved with their five children from Santa Barbara, CA to the Helena valley. In 1972, the whole family worked together to build their log home on Canyon Ferry Road.
Mom loved young children and babysitting which allowed her to be at home for her family. As her children grew older, she went back to work as a waitress at the Colonial Inn then at Yacht Basin on Canyon Ferry Lake. She then returned to banking, working at the Bank of Montana as a bookkeeper, new accounts representative, and supervisor of bookkeeping and tellers before becoming operations officer and cashier. After an early retirement for health reasons, she returned to work briefly at the Valley Bank.
She loved dancing and took tap and ballet lessons as a child. She liked to swim, loved the ocean, and really missed it. She was involved in Blue Birds, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, and church. She liked to sew and do crafts, making corsages for the Morrison-Maierle Christmas party, and decorating her house inside and out for the Christmas season.
Holidays were always at Grandma and Grandpa’s house with kids, grandkids, and greats. She enjoyed being with her grandkids who were frequent visitors at her house, making many good memories. They loved to tease her and make fun of her New England accent.
The family expresses appreciation for the support provided by St. Peter’s hospice and medical floor staff. Mom appreciated her many friends, especially Dora Maynard (best friend of 45 years) and her neighbor and friend, Joanne Langel. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are encouraged to the East Helena United Methodist Church or a church of the donor’s choice.
A memorial service celebrating Betty’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the East Helena United Methodist Church, 50 Prickly Pear Ave, East Helena, 59635. A reception will follow the memorial service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the East Helena United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 850, East Helena, MT 59635 or a church of the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Betty.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 6, 2015
East Helena United Methodist Church
50 Prickly Pear
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Saturday June 6, 2015
East Helena United Methodist Church
50 Prickly Pear
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 6, 2015
East Helena United Methodist Church
50 Prickly Pear
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Saturday June 6, 2015
East Helena United Methodist Church
50 Prickly Pear
Helena, Montana 59601
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Denise Feller says
It was a joy to know Betty. She was always so gracious and happy when I saw her at church. My prayers are with her family as they miss such a big part of their lives.
Valerie Nelson Jorgenson says
Such great memories falling off horses on the Scott place! Your mom made obnoxious kids feel welcome. My thoughts are with your beautiful family.
Don Pratt says
My thoughts and prays are with the family at this time of grief. I have many thoughts of your Mom and you kids growing up when you lived next door to us. I am sorry I will not be able to be there Sat. as I will be in Cheney, WA at my grandson’s graduation.
Aggie & Larry Wismer says
Lots of good memories at the Scott’s Christmas Eve Dinners and of Larry playing Santa Claus with the grandkids. Betty (& Walt) were a great pair and we always enjoyed being around them and their family. They will not be forgotten by friends or those who loved them. Thoughts and prayers to Bob, Ann Marie, Janice, Mark & Eric and their families at this time of sadness.