Kathryn Elizabeth West, 89

Kathryn Elizabeth West, 89, known as “Betty” to family and friends, passed away at her daughter’s home in Bigfork on Dec. 7, 2015.

Betty, the eldest of two daughters, was born to Charles and Emma Mahony in Helena on June 14, 1926, and grew up in Townsend. She attended the University of Montana School of Journalism.

On April 24, 1948, Betty married Charles C. West and together they raised three children, Kerry Sue, Maureen and Jack. The family later moved to Phoenix where they resided for 30 years.

She had a long career, working with the Montana State Senate, in the secretary of the Senate’s office, as the chief clerk of the Arizona House of Representatives and as an executive assistant to numerous companies. Upon her retirement she returned to her beloved Montana.

Betty always enjoyed staying involved in all the activities and events of those she cherished as her children and grandchildren. She loved watching Arizona football and basketball, participating in Thimble Club at Trinity Lutheran Church, and eating chocolate cake with orange sherbet and mandarin oranges.

She was a devoted Christian and in the words of her son Jack, “Betty was a loving, generous, thoughtful mom, grandma, great-grandma, great-great-grandma, Gabby, and aunt, and a caring, helpful friend to those she knew.”

Betty is survived by her daughter, Maureen, and Doug Averill; and son, Jack, and Susie West; her nephew sons, Shawn and Liz Horne, Scott and Josie Horne, and Patrick and Nora Knell Horne; 14 grandchildren, Bryan West, Todd and Brooke West, John and Sara Baker, Stacey Baker, Chase and Kate Averill, Laine and Nicole Averill, Quindee Averill, Finley Knellhorne and Phoebe Knellhorne, Declan Horne and Georgia Horne, Eric Horne, Scott Horne and Evie Horne; 10 great-grandchildren, Rebecca and JC Baker, Brittney and Matt Richie, and Garrett Harrison, Brooks Averill, Jordan, Hawke and Ezra West, and August and Elliot West; and two great-great grandchildren, Jack and Alice West. She also leaves behind her beloved dog Murphy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Charlene, her husband Charlie, daughter Kerry Sue Baker, and grandson Michael Baker.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.