Elizabeth Lorraine “Bette” Radley passed away December 21, 2012 surrounded by her family at age 90 under the care of St. Peters hospital excellent staff. Bette was born on October 19, 1922 in Missoula, Montana where she grew up directly across the street from St. Francis Xavier and Sacred Heart Academy schools. She attended Sacred Heart Academy, where she played on the basketball team. Her childhood journals make many references to her favorite sport and especially to the intense rivalry with Arlee and St. Ignatius. Her journals also speak to her love of dancing and boys. She graduated in 1939 together with her class of 15 other young women.
Bette moved to Helena, Montana in 1939 with her parents following graduation. She attended Secretarial school and found employment at the Adjutant Generals office. It was during this time she met her husband to be, Dr. Penrose Radley while getting a ride from another friend and he was in the car. She was a terrific dancer and won several Jitterbug contests. Penrose eventually worked his way to the top of her dance card and they married in 1944.
Immediately following marriage, Penrose and Dr. Bob Kuntz were sent to Chicago for training subject to their military duty. Bette always laughed at this as Bob and Penny went on her honeymoon while she stayed behind. She did join them shortly after when they were both sent to Dental school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bette worked to help her husband through dental school on switch boards and dictation for the Massey Ferguson company as well as in bookkeeping which she was excellent at for her whole life. Following her husbands graduation from Marquette University Dental school during the Korean War, they were sent to Las Vegas, NV. for two years of service in the U.S. Air force Bette missed the mountains and wanted to return to Montana which they did in 1952 following his discharge.
She and her husband were introduced to Golf while in Las Vegas by Dr. Gordon Doering; this game became life long love. They made many friends through golf and were long time members of the Montana club and life long members on Green Meadow C.C. She also played bridge for over 50 years with her dear friends and loved the game!
She loved animals and eventually they bought ranch property in Winston, Montana for her horses. Bette loved horseback riding, cattle drives and being a ranch woman. She loved all animals, horses, cows, cats, and dogs and took in strays to join her family her whole life.
She is survived by her son Mark (Paige Huey) Radley of Toronto, On., daughters Jennifer (Marc Kelly) Radley of Graham, Wa., Trace O’Connell of Helena, Mt., and Leisa (Tony Rainer) Radley of Helena. She has nine grandchildren, Britny Stewart and Rhiannon (Joey) Torres of Fremont, Ca., Tyson (Jana) O’Connell of Missoula, Mt., Seth (Nikki) O’Connell of Helena, Mt., Dustin O’Connell of Portland, Or., Hayden Kelly and Jordan Kelly of Graham, Wa., Kasey Radley of Fremont, Ca., and Samantha Radley of Newmarket, On. In addition she leaves four loving great grandchildren, Elias and Veronica Bedolla of Fremont, Ca., and Dupree and Justice Stewart of Fremont, Ca. and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty three years, Dr. Penrose Radley. We all miss and love her very much.
A Mass and cremation has been performed. There will be a celebration of Bette’s life at a latter date for all friends and family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Monday December 24, 2012
St. Mary's Catholic Church
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday December 24, 2012
St. Mary's Catholic Church
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Monday December 24, 2012
St. Mary's Catholic Church
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday December 24, 2012
St. Mary's Catholic Church
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
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Collette Brownlow says
Jennifer, Mark, Trace, and Lisa, so sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing. The very night we heard the news we had been talking about all of you. I remember the summers when we went to Whitefish Lake. Yes, Mark I could make you kiss the floor. They were lots of fun. Hope that we can keep in touch. Take care and my prayers and thoughts are with each of you. Collette
Deb House Walter says
Mark & family, my thoughts & prayers are with you all. God bless.
Jan Jacobson says
Jennifer, Trace, Lisa and Mark,
I was just sending Bette her Christmas card when my Mum told me Bette, passed away. I have way too many memories to ever express my sorrow. “Love your Bette.”
All my Love and Prayers to each and every one of you,
Jan
Kyle & Denise Kuntz says
Radley Family – Betty will be missed and our sympathy goes out to each and everyone of you.
Cass says
Radley Family – We will miss Bette, we are very sorry for you loss
Brad & Erin Cobban says
Mark, Jennifer, Tracy & Lisa – We are so sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this sad time.
Rose Miller says
I will sure miss you Bette~ It was such a joy to care for you when you would allow for it!!! Rest in Peace little sweetie~ Love you much!!! God Bless your family who I am sure is having a tough time with your passing but will again see you someday!!