Betty Jean McDonald, 86

Betty Jean McDonald, 86, passed away Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, at St. Peter s Hospital in Helena. She was born to the late Henry and Marie Evans on Dec. 10, 1923, in Helena. Betty married Nicholas R. Mergenthaler in 1945, and they divorced in 1963. They had three children. Betty then met and married Charles E. Chuck McDonald on July 31, 1967, and they just recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. Betty and Chuck lived in Kalispell and owned the McDonald School of Music from 1968 to 1978. Betty was also an avid painter and attended Carroll College, where she studied art. Betty s paintings were shown in art shows all over the Northwest, including Canada. Her art won Best of Show and People s Choice awards during these shows. In 1980, Betty and Chuck relocated to Helena and owned and operated High Country Plumbing until their retirement in 2000. Her favorite activities were hunting and fishing with her family and friends. Betty is survived by her husband, Chuck; three children, David Mergenthaler of Kalispell, Roger and Martha Mergenthaler of Helena, and Lynn and Judy Mergenthaler of Kalispell; and her sister, Barbara Toftley of Seattle. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Jim Cooper of Unionville; as well as 14 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and a nephew. Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Claudette Cooper of Unionville. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Betty s life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the family home, 406 S. Park in Helena. For information, please call (406) 442-4872. In lieu of flowers, it was Betty s wish that donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Burn Centers, 911 W. Fifth Ave., Spokane WA 99204. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.