Letitia M. Betz peacefully passed to be with Jesus Christ on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. Steve, her son, and his wife, were by her side. Letitia was born in Flaxville, MT on May 15, 1916. She had many stories to tell of her life on the homestead there. As she reached her late teens, she attended college in Havre, MT and graduated with a teaching degree. She then began teaching in small one-room schools in the area. During WWII she went to Bremerton, WA and worked in a torpedo factory to support the war effort. It was there she met Jim. They were married within two weeks and later they settled in Great Falls. There, they raised two sons, Steven and Stan. “Tish”, as she was called, taught private piano lessons and became president of the Music Teacher Association, was on board of child evangelism and worked with the rescue mission.
Tish was a member of the Nazarene churches in both Great Falls and later in Tempe, Arizona. When Jim, her husband, passed away she spent her time volunteering at the Banner Desert Hospital in the gift shop; where she stayed for 14 years and logged 4,346 hours. Tish also was director of senior adult ministries in Tempe Church for 11 years.
In 2012 Tish moved to Sonheaven Assisted Living in Helena to be close to her son, Steve, and his wife, Teri. There she enjoyed activities and a caring staff for four years. Then, in September of 2016, she came to live with Steve and Teri, west of Helena. There, she spent five wonderful months with her family, including Merlin the cat, before the Lord came to bring her home.
We would like to say a special thanks to St. Peters ambulance crew, the E.R. staff, and all those doctors, nurses and helpers on the 3rd floor. You were all awesome and so kind!Tish is preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in 1989. She is survived by two sons, Steve (Teri) and Stan (Debbie); four grandchildren, Kathy, Karen, Nathan and Joanna; 11 great grandchildren; and 2 great, great-grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Tish’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Manchester Cemetery in Great Falls. Memorials in Tish’s name are suggested to Emergency Department at St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Tish.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 28, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Tuesday February 28, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 28, 2017
Manchester Cemetery
Great Falls
Montana,
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 28, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Tuesday February 28, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 28, 2017
Manchester Cemetery
Great Falls
Montana,
Share
Connie Miller Waddell says
I knew your mom and dad in Great Falls as a kid. They were instrumental in making sure my brother Dave and I went to the Nazarene Church. Your mom and dad were great people very loving and giving of themselves. I just happen to be looking at the IR and saw your mom’s name which brought back so many memories. I couldn’t believe it was the same person I knew so many years ago. That was the time I was introduced to Jesus Christ. I dedicated my life to the Lord on April 2, 1984 and still serve Him this day! Lord bless your mom and dad for all they did in the ministry. Lord bless you Steve and Stan. Love in Christ, Connie Miller Waddell
Riki says
Steve & Teri,
Thank you for sharing Tish with me! She was such a blessing in my life and I so enjoyed our time together. She had a beautiful smile and such a wonderful sense of humor. Her faithful outlook on life was so inspiring to me! My thoughts & prayers are with you!
Riki
Linda Kindrick says
Steve – I am so sorry to see your mom passed away. It was a blessing you had her in your home the last five months. God bless you and Teri.
Gordon Jeffries says
Steve,Stan and families. I often think of your Mother. Getting us together to sing in church. Pushing what musical talents we had.
She was a wonderful Lady. We are all blessed with her faithfulness and devotions.
Bless You all. Peace
Bill and Claudia says
Steve and Teri,
So sorry for your loss. We are glad we had the opportunity to meet your mom when you came to visit her in Arizona and we are glad you were able to be with her in her last years after she moved to Helena. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Roger Warila says
Steve and Stan,
I took piano lessons from your mom back in the late 50’s thru mid 60’s. Wonderful teacher. My sisters and cousin and I were in several recitals she put on at the Nazarene Church here in Great Falls. Think about those days every time I walk psst your old house on 30th St and 3rd Ave North. My condolences.
falls
beth voyles says
i am so very sorry to see that your beautiful mother has passed away. i had the priveledge of taking care of her at son heaven and loved her very much. she truly was and always will be a beautiful person from the inside all the way to the outside. she helped me so very much when my son was diagnosed with cancer and was cheering him on from the sidelines when i went to seattle to give him a stem cell transplant. the night before i left, she grabbed my hands and had me sit in front of her as we prayed for his healing. i will never forget how she made me feel the love of GOD as we were praying. it was very powerful and i will forever be grateful to her for this and will never forget her love and strangth she bestowed upon us. thank you to the family for sharing this remarkable woman with all of the staff of son heaven. she will always be remembered as the beautiful person she was. steve, stan and the family, you all have my very sincerest sympathy and will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bernice (Haltunen) Montz says
I have precious memories about Letitia. She was my piano teacher, friend, youth group leader, and big reason I am follow..Jesus Christ..today. She lived her life in love with Jesus in front of me! I grew-up with Jimmy and Letitia leading our youth group of restless teenagers through many adventures. I loved your family…Stan and Steve were good friends during those teens year when big life decisions are made. Thank you Letitia for you’re leading me and sharing many fun times together at the Great Falls Church of Nazarene. My mother , Dorothy Haltunen, also shared many precious times with Letitia, in Great Falls and during her days in Arizona. She was deeply sadden to learn of her passing. Mom knows Letitia was looking forward to being with Jesus and seeing Jimmy again. Love to you Stan, Steve and your families . Steve, your mom had shared your music with me…nice work! Stan you have raised a wonderful mission minded family.. she was so proud of her grandchildren. I know you are all missing her but she is home and having a big reunion! We will see her again. Love!! Bernice and Dale Montz
Patricia Ketcher says
Patricia Ketcher says
I will always treasure and thank GOD for the memories and Blessings I have received in knowing and having Letitia and your dad, Jim, in my life. I lived in Great Falls 9 years with my husband, Bill, son, Ricky & daughter, Sandy and we attended Great Falls Church of Nazarene. Pastor Bullock and Eunice were ministering and Letitia was my son’s piano teacher. Letitia was Blessed with many talents, one which was cooking and she shared many of her recipes with me. Everyone that attended the church and had the privilege of hearing their music, had to have been Blessed beyond measure! I remember when Jim, Pastor Bullock & another man (I can’t remember his name) formed a Quartet called “The Master’s Trio” GOD calls us ALL to be a witness for HIM and to Love One Another and I don’t believe I have ever seen a Greater Example as seen in Jim & Letitia Betz. Although their work is done, they will be missed but never forgotten.
Isaac R says
Steve,
I’m sad to have learned of your Mom’s passing. I’m glad she was able to get up to Montana and spend some time with you and Teri. I know you loved her a great deal and she loved you. Love to you and Teri and your entire family. Hugs my friend.
Gayla Gilbert says
You were such a blessing in my life!! I will miss you. RIP with the Lord. Love you Gayla