Betty S. Paulsen, a lifelong resident of Helena, a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, passed away peacefully Tuesday August 17, 2010 from this life in her Christian faith. Lung cancer took over her body but never touched her soul or spirit. All who have known Betty or were with her were blessed by Betty’s strength. She looked forward to her unending walk with Christ. She was dearly cared for by Dr. Wiener and his staff at St. Pete’s Hospital Oncology Department, Hospice staff, and her family and friends. She so loved being with and ministering to them, telling all how blessed she was.
In Betty’s life devotion to family came first. She was notably active throughout her life in church, music, sports, and political circles. Born in Helena on April 29, 1925, Betty was the oldest of three children of the late Morris and Irma Sanford. Following her graduation from Helena High in 1944, she attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon, for two years. On June 1, 1947, she married Harold L Paulsen, also a native of Helena and lifelong resident who shared many of her interests. Together, they raised a family of four children and were active in the community throughout their lives.
Betty Paulsen’s passion for the work of the Lord, music and sports began early in her life. When she was 14 years old, she began singing with a choir directed by her father. From then on, she was a key member of and frequent soloist with a number of Helena church choirs, many of which she also directed. She often sang duets with her husband, Harold, whose fine tenor voice was heard for many years and on countless occasions throughout his life.
Betty’s interest in sports began early in life, as well. As a seventh grader she ran the city-wide 100 yard dash faster than either boys or girls. She was the first of two girls in the graduating class of 1944 to letter in sports all four years. Just out of high school, she won the state mixed doubles tennis championship. As a young mother, she coached pee wee league baseball in which her three sons participated. Later she became an avid golfer and took part in tournament play for over 30 years.
In 1967, Betty began a 13-year career with First Bank of Helena, retiring in 1980. Throughout those years and beyond, she continued to serve her church and community in addition to devoting undiminished love and concern for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her husband, Harold, often said that Betty was his “best friend, greatest supporter, and advisor, as well as, helpful critic.” All will miss her prayers and her unfailing love and devotion.
Surviving Betty are her, husband of 63 years Harold, daughter Peggy husband Bill, their children, Bill, Becky, Betsy, Bobby, Bucky. Son Dick wife Carol, their children Tracey, Mike, Matt. Son Lee wife Kristi their children Aaron and Zac. Son Jim wife Jan, their children Jon, Sam, Angie. Sister Barbara Creel, Brother Tom and numerous nieces and nephews, 17 great grandchildren, and countless friends.
Donations may be given to the 1st Presbyterian Church, or the Masonic Home. Join her family in celebrating her life at the First Presbyterian Church, Tuesday August 24 at 7:00pm, with song, stories and testimony. Funeral services will be Wednesday August 25 at 2:30pm also at the First Presbyterian Church. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.
Amanda Plona says
Betty had an amazing capacity to hold you in arms of unconditional love, followed by a gentle kick in the behind to get you going to do something good for yourself and the world. This amazing, gentle soul knew there were battles to be fought–both in the heart and in the mind–and she never flinched from the cause. Everyone felt better who knew that they had this Prayer Warrior on their side. She blessed my life and made me a better person. Thank you, Betty.
Tom Erving says
Lee, Jim, Dick and Harold.
My deepest sympathy go out to you all and families. Your mom and wife was a wonderful person, she is lucky to have had such a great family to give her love and support. Hope Jim found his “dry mouth gum”
Tom and Debbie Erving
Susan and Bob Andersen says
We have known Betty a long time between Legislature and church and we were so sad to read of her passing. Please know we are thinking of all of you, especially Harold, who has been a family friend for many, many years. God Bless you allw
Dawn and Scott Lockwood says
Dick and family, Betty was such a gracious, vibrant soul. She left a positive mark on whoever she met. Her indominable spirit will be with you always.
Donna & Les Elford says
Betty had a huge impact on my life at Faith Tabernacle, she was a amazing example of a praying woman. I will always remenber her singing .
I am very honor to call her friend.
Donna
Homer and Linda Christopher says
Betty was such a wonderful lady. She was always upbeat and positive, even about her terminal illness. She so trusted God and looked forward to being with Him and her loved ones that had passed before her. We got to enjoy being with her at the 2010 Symphony Under the Stars and will be sharing a picture of her with family on that day. She will be truly missed here on Earth, but we will see her again in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. With love, Homer and Linda
Janet McLaughlin says
I sat with Betty at Cory and Angie’s rehearsal dinner. What a grand lady and wonderful conversation maker. The world is definitely a better place because of her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
John Morgan says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. My your happy memories be with you during these difficult days ahead.
John and Nancy
Lynne & Jim Maierle & family says
All your family is in our prayers. Betty did no much for so many. When our children Jona, Mark & Luke went to Smith school with Jon, Sam & Angie the 6 of them agreed they had the best grandparents in town!
Margaret & Wes Beatty says
Our sympathy is extended to Harold and family. It was my great pleasure and Honor to have been a friend of Betty for many years through Daughters of the Nile and the republicans. We would always have a nice chat at the L & C Republican Womens meetings each month. Fraternaly, Margaret
Steve and Cherei McCarter says
Our deepest condolences to the family. Betty was a lovely woman.. loved by many! She always had a HUGE smile for everyone! She shall be missed!