Betty Jean Anderson Stapley, 78
Betty Jean Anderson Stapley, 78, 'went to join her Lord and Savior' on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, while a patient at Brendan House in Kalispell.
Born to Guy and Jennie (Smith) Anderson on June 24, 1929, in Great Falls, Betty was the sixth child of seven and the only girl. They moved to Columbia Falls when she was a young girl. Betty went to school in Columbia Falls, graduating from Columbia Falls High School in 1948.
She worked in Martin City as a waitress and met her future husband, Loran Stapley, while employed there. They were married Dec. 12, 1950. Betty and Loran had two children, losing one in infancy. Betty was a homemaker, mom, and grandmother.
Betty and Loran, 'Red,' started doing reflexology in the 1960s. They practiced reflexology for over 30 years and treated hundreds of people. Betty taught reflexology during the '80s and '90s and had students from all over the world. They enjoyed helping others and their home was always open to anyone.
They had a large garden and orchard. Betty could be found canning and preserving the fruits and vegetables that Loran harvested. She never wanted to run out of her special applesauce or canned fruit for her grandkids. Her homemade breads and meals were world famous, at least to her family.
Betty, along with prior generations, was a lifelong member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved to study the Scriptures and was always looking for new understanding. She took much comfort in her faith and was not afraid to share it. Betty and Loran held a monthly songfest and potluck at there home for years. She played her old pump organ and 'had the angels sing along.'
When they retired they spent their winters in Arizona and made many lifelong friends through those travels. They still did reflexology during that time and Betty started painting. She truly enjoyed painting and taught several others to paint, including her brother Steve.
They moved to Wyoming for a couple of years and then to Boulder, Mont., for a couple more. They then moved back home to the Flathead about 10 years ago. It is the place Betty loved the most, close to family and friends.
Betty lived in the Elms Apartments the last five years of her life, where she had many dear friends. If there was a pinochle game or potluck, you could find Betty in the middle of it. Betty loved her family and always had time for her grandchildren. In her later life nothing gave her greater pleasure than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was the last survivor of that generation. She always said she came from a 'strong and vigorous tribe of people' and she was so proud of that fact.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Loran 'Red' Stapley in 2000; an infant daughter; a granddaughter; her parents; and all six of her brothers.
She is survived by her son and his wife, Steve and Susan Stapley; a stepdaughter and her husband, Sally and Anson Barnes, both of Columbia Falls; grandchildren, Jeremy and Christian Stapley, Jacque Edwards and Harley Barnes, all of Columbia Falls, Wendall and Nona Barnes of Clinton, Rob and Christy Stapley of Helena, and Dan and Kristi Johnson of Stevensville; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and love ones.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Her nephew Scott Anderson will officiate the service. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery. There will be a reception at the Columbia Falls Church of The Nazarene after the service.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.