Betty L. (Althouse) Anderson, 87

Betty L. (Althouse) Anderson passed away peacefully on July 8, 2016, two weeks after her 87th birthday. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death.

She was born on June 21, 1929, to Clarence J. and Anna C (Krebs) Althouse in Ennis. She grew up on the ranch on Indian Creek in the Madison Valley, the youngest of five daughters, and attended grade school at the Bear Creek School. Betty graduated from Ennis High School in 1946 at the age of 16 and attended Montana State College.

On July 24, 1949, she married Herb E. Anderson, in Choteau. They were happily married for 52 years. Betty worked for the ASCS office in Choteau. Their first child, Julie, was born in 1953 and in 1954; they moved to Lewistown where Herb was employed at Dowen Motors. Mark was born in 1955 followed by Duane in 1958. Betty lovingly cared for her family in their younger years; in 1967, she returned to work as an elementary school secretary at Lincoln and Lewis & Clark schools, a job which she dearly loved. She retired in 1992 after 25 years of dedicated service.

Betty was always active as a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Lewistown. She taught Sunday school, served in the Altar Guild, was the church historian and helped with many dinners and events held at the church.

She was a talented seamstress, and enjoyed making quilts and other crafts. Counted cross-stitch was one of her specialties. She made many beautiful gifts for her family and friends.

Betty was a strong, independent, humble and selfless woman who was greatly loved by her family and friends, and treasured by her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all.

Survivors include her three children, Julie (Ralph) Peck of Helena, Mark (Joan) Anderson of Pittsburgh, and Duane (Marlene) Anderson of Kalispell. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, John (Meg) Peck, Jennifer (George Maina) Kariuki, Adam (Kate) Peck, Daniel Peck, Erin (Chris) Fitzgerald, Jonathan Anderson, Hannah Anderson, and Katie Anderson. She also is survived by four great-grandchildren, Abigail and Edith Peck, and Elizabeth and Julia-Rose Maina; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years in 2001, and by her parents and four sisters.

Betty spent her last four years at Aspen Gardens Assisted Living and her family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the friendly, caring, professional and compassionate staff. We would also like to thank St. Peter’s Hospice for their wonderful care during Betty’s final months.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue, Helena. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 15, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue, Helena, with a reception to follow immediately in the fellowship hall of the church. A graveside service and interment will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, at the Lewistown City Cemetery, 801 8th Avenue, with a reception to follow at Zion Lutheran Church, 604 W. Evelyn St, Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, 603 S. Main, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Ave., Helena, MT 59601; or to a charity of your choosing.

Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Betty. Retz Funeral Home in Helena and Creel Funeral Home in Lewistown are in charge of the arrangements.