Betty Merritt, 83

Betty Merritt, 83, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005, at her home in Helena, with family at her side.

She was born Dec. 8, 1921, in Kalispell, to Alta and Ralph (Toots) Rousselle. She was raised on the family farm between Somers and Bigfork, and graduated from Flathead County High School. She married Fred Merritt, her husband of almost 64 years, on Jan. 11, 1942.

During World War II, Betty worked for the Boeing Aircraft Co. in Seattle while Fred was in North Africa and Europe. Fred and Betty returned to Montana after the war and to Kalispell in 1954. Betty worked at the Kalispell Mercantile from then until she retired. They moved to Helena in 2001.

Betty is survived by her husband, Fred, in Helena, daughter and son-in-law Marilyn and Gerry Daumiller in Helena, her cousin Roger Kensler and his family of Troy and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel. A graveside service will be held at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Betty's family.