Elizabeth 'Betty' Louden, 92

Elizabeth Ruth Passmore Louden passed peacefully into the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of Jan, 28, 2021.

Betty was born in Choteau, Montana, on March 8, 1928, to Harold and Bernice Andrews Passmore. She attended school at Pendroy with her brothers and sisters, until the family relocated to Kalispell. The Passmores settled on a farm near Egan school, and Betty graduated from Flathead County High School with the Class of 1946.

After graduation Betty took employment in Kalispell, where she met a handsome bachelor from just across the river, Harold Louden. Harold and Betty married Nov. 14, 1947, at her parent’s home, and the newlyweds made their home on the farm in Lower Valley. Harold and Betty raised six children on the farm, teaching them the value of integrity and hard work, of frugality and faith in the Creator. Bruce was born in 1948, followed by Donald in 1951, Kenneth in 1952, Doris in 1954, Debra in 1957, and Michael in 1961.

In later years, when Betty’s family was grown, she worked at the Kalispell Livestock Auction, and tended a large garden which she shared with family and friends and many loyal customers at the Kalispell Farmers Market.

Mom was a friend and mentor to many, and oved by all that knew her. She and Harold served the Lord faithfully for many years, and were very committed to their church ‘family’ at Central Bible Church. Her involvement in Bible Study Fellowship fed her love of God’s word and built relationships with many dear friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her daughter Debi McKnight in 1980, and her husband Harold in 1990. Also preceding her were her parents Harold and Bernice, her sister Jean Iden, and brother Howard Passmore.

Betty is survived by her brothers Larry (Shirley) of Creston and Gilbert(Janet) of Bozeman, and her sister Jessie Gestring of Creston. She is also survived by her sons Bruce (Janice) of Kalispell, Don (Song) of Tucson, Arizona, Ken (Patty) of Kalispell and Mike (Judy) of Pocatello, Idaho, and her daughter Doris McCoy (Don) of Lewistown, Montana. Also surviving are her much beloved grandchildren, Becky Tolf (Hans), Josh Louden (Carrie), Daniel Louden, Jennifer Louden, Christopher Louden, Grace Louden, Greg Louden (Sarah), Carrie Fennessey (David), Kevin Louden (Amelia), Steve McCoy (Angela), Brad McCoy (Beth), David McCoy, and David Louden (Tiffanie). Her legacy also includes 24 great-grandchildren, with two more yet to arrive within the next few weeks.

A private family burial will be held at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at Central Bible Church in Kalispell, Saturday, Feb. 5, at 11:30 a.m., which will include a time of fellowship and sharing memories. Those who are unable to attend will be able to view the service online through Facebook Live on the Central Bible Church page, or YouTube; search for CBC Kalispell.

If one wishes to make a memorial, the family would suggest Central Bible Church or the Awana program there, or Big Sky Bible Camp.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.