Elizabeth (Betty) Stinchfield passed away the morning of December 19, 2020. Betty was born on August 11, 1935 in Kalispell to Glenn E and Gladys (Wood) Millhouse. She joined her brother Donald, who she says was thrilled to get a baby sister. She attended school in Kalispell, graduating in the top ten in her class from Flathead County High School In 1953. Betty was very involved in many activities in High School including choir groups, Rainbow for Girls, yearbook editor, DeMolay Sweetheart and DAR Good Citizen of the Year. Betty went on to graduate from the University of Montana in 1957 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Political Science. She remained active in campus choral groups, was a Junior Sponsor helping Freshman adjust to college life, and she was a proud member of the Delta Gamma Sorority.
After graduation Betty accepted a teaching job at Enterprise High School in Redding, California where she taught typing 1 & 2 and general business. She returned to Kalispell and was married to her college beau, Nelson S (Jerry) Weller in September of 1958. They made Helena their home where Jerry settled in to a job with Western Life Insurance and Betty worked for Harriet Miller, Superintendent of Public Instruction. They enjoyed skiing and playing tennis. They later divorced but remained friends throughout the years. Betty referred to Jerry as her ‘first ex-husband”.
Betty married William H. (Bill) Stinchfield in January of 1964. They had 2 children, Mark and Julie. Bill and Betty enjoyed many activities together and with their many, many friends. They divorced in 1984 but they remained friends and the family continued to enjoy time together until Bill’s passing in 2007.
Betty was the Executive Secretary to Governor Tim Babcock in 1967-68. She began her nearly 30-year career as Executive Assistant with Union Bank (now Wells Fargo) in 1971, retiring in 2000 after guiding the bank through 7 name changes and 3 Presidents. Betty was active in everything! St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Delta Gamma, Helena Symphony Guild, Board of Directors & Chorale, Soroptimist International, Intermountain Festival of Trees, Downtown Helena, Inc., St. Peter’s Hospital Association, Helena High Bengal Boosters and Habitat for Humanity.
She enjoyed golf, bowling, playing bridge with the “Bridge Bunch”, reading, following her kids and grandkids activities, watching sports of any kind, music, and cooking and baking – especially salsa and almond roca. She always said she didn’t need much of an excuse to have a party. Her family and friends will certainly miss the get togethers and all of her special homemade treats. Amongst her favorite things were butterflies, rainbows, the Montana Grizzlies and Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Gladys Millhouse, her ex-husband, Bill Stinchfield, many aunts, uncles, cousins and too many great friends to name.
She is survived by her children Mark (Mary Goodell) Stinchfield of Dutton, MT and Julie (Jim) DeMars of Queen Creek, AZ, her brother Don (Jaime Spaulding) Millhouse of Missoula and her grandchildren Grady (Autumn Harris) Stinchfield and Stefani (Craig) Reinhardt all of Helena and Kassidi DeMars of Billings. Also surviving her are dear cousins Roger Thorvilson, Lois (Ted) Simpson, Rita (Rod) Lucas, Rich (Phill Mroz) Thorvilson, Marilyn Wood, Cynthia (John) Shelton, Doug (Lavonne) Wood, Al (Carol) Ostroot and Marie Olson. She had many nieces and nephews who adored her, Glenn, Steve, Kevin (Karmen) Millhouse, Kim (Jeff) Alley, Lorinda (Steve) Grosso, and Jeff (Kathy) Minnerly. She is also survived by her honorary sister Karol (Jerry) Newgard.
The family would like to thank The Legacy Assisted Living in Helena for the care and friendship they provided over the last few months and her amazing neighbors in Helena who treated her like family. A celebration of her wonderful life will be planned for a later date – due to COVID-19 restrictions. Memorials are suggested to the University of Montana or American Legion Baseball.
Betty believed that there are angels among us and now thankfully she is one of them.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Steve Armstrong says
Julie and Mark,
Saddened to read of your mom’s passing. She certainly had a full, energetic and meaningful life. I recall her work at the bank and her community service. I have great memories of your mother’s keen and caring interest in your academics at HHS. She came to parent night and asked how things were going. She would also ask similar questions when we performed in the joint symphony and chorale concerts. In later years, we would see Betty at U of M Homecoming gatherings and have great conversations. May your memories bring a smile to you.
Susan Bass Proul says
Julie and mark…my heart is breaking for you for the loss of your beautiful mom. She was a wonderful lady. I’m sending you thoughts and prayers to help get through this difficult time.
Vanessa Tolson says
Julie, Mark & family, so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. We had many good times golfing and other get togethers. She was always fun and full of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Chuck & Vanessa
Kevin Bartsch says
Mark, Julie and family- Very sorry for your loss. She was a good lady and lived a full and rewarding life. My thoughts are with you. Take care
Brian and Jean Peacock says
Jean and I are saddened to learn of Betty’s passing. We shared many fun times at Green Meadow with her. We pass our condolences along to all of her family.
Cheryl Fowler says
Mark, Julie and family,
I have known Betty through Soroptimist for over 25 years. She was a remarkable lady and always ready with a smile or a laugh. My husband always bought her raspberry jam and salsa at the Soroptimist Christmas party and auction for many years. Her jams and salsa often times became bidding wars but always worth the price. She also made beautiful center pieces at Christmas time. She will be missed but never forgotten. I am thankful I had the opportunity to call her a friend.
Jan Gregson says
Mark and Julie,
We are so so sorry to hear about your wonderful mom!
I have so many many memories of her and the Bridge Club…
I truly hope you are doing okay and please know that each night as you look up and see the stars, she is peeking through watching over you.
Terry R Harris says
Julie and Mark I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was a good friend over the years. She is at peace now.
HELEN FANDRICH says
Mark and Julie,
I was saddened to hear of your Mother’s passing. We were great “bank” friends and Soroptimists together for my 30 years as a Member and I know she was a longer member after that. Betty was a real friend; and I admired her intellect and her wit. We had so many good times together. I believe I crocheted a baby afghan for her to give to a grandchild–can’t remember if it was her first or 2d one. Years ago, I joined several other Soroptimists at a convention (somewhere?) and we all visited your grandmother in Kalispell. She was a great lady as well. The year 2020 will go down in history as memorable and sad for sure. Best wishes to you both.
Helen Fandrich
Tom Ellis, Coeur d' Alene Id. says
I was that third president and if not for Betty would not have bee as successful as we were. She was a classy, friendly well rounded person who I loved being around. She helped me a lot. She really knew what was going on in the community and helped the bank do it’s part to be a good contributor. But overall she was a very loyal ambassador for the bank and someone that I always thought was the example we all needed to follow. Rest in Peace and Julie and Mark we are sorry for your loss of such a special lady.
Dennis Tilton says
Some of my earliest memories are from Kalispell, my hometown. My grandparents, Clarence and Mary Gilbertson lived next door to the Millhouse family so I met Betty there in the 50’s. After moving to Helena she once transported my brother and I to Kalispell in an Edsel if my memory is correct. Hello to Kevin and Glen, fellow National Guard veterans.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
There aren’t words my mom! I will miss you every single day…