Betty Jane Bennett

She loved life
Betty Jane Bennett, a resident of Riverside Healthcare Center in Missoula, Montana, died Wednesday, November 19, after a brief illness. She lived in Missoula for 20 years.
Born June 7, 1924, in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, she was reared in Lynwood, CA, by her parents Joseph Mathias Baier and Mildred Rufener Baier, two teenagers who ran away from rural Dickinson County and eventually made their way to the Golden State.
Betty grew up an only child during the Depression when large families with many children were common. The family lived in a modest home on Josephine St. with relatives from both sides of the family nearby. She loved her nearby cousin Polly and her cousin Donna of Kansas, both of whom were like sisters to her.
Though her parents were strict, they doted on their only child, and Betty enjoyed shopping on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles during its retail glory during the 40s. She enjoyed shopping for deals and later was just as happy at a discount store in a suburb. It was all about attitude and as one friend put it, her humor and sense of style.
With her long, blond hair and bright smile plus close proximity to Hollywood, Betty was occasionally mistaken for being a starlet. But she had also converted to Catholicism, the faith of her father's side of the family, as a teen. She was always proud of her German/Swiss roots but also took an interest in many different cultures later in life.
Betty met her husband-to-be on a blind double date with friends in the early days of World War II. Both did not want to go because she was not interested in someone in the Army Air Corps and he thought she would be one of those stuck-up California types. She and Robert Franklin Bennett were married 49 years. They tied the knot in Lynwood. She said she had been struck by his good looks, confidence, and wisdom about the world.
Years later, when asked by her husband if she regretted choosing marriage and family instead of pursuing a career in singing, Betty firmly replied, "Absolutely not." Though she could still confidently deliver a jazz tune like, "When Hilo Hattie Does the Hilo Hop" or "Frankie and Johnnie Were Lovers" well into her 80s, the love and devotion of a family were too strong for her to resist. She wrote to Bob every single day while he was overseas during World War II. Then they raised their three sons in Downey, California, a place she fondly described as a dusty little town filled with orange groves. Initially a housewife, Betty went to work as an employment counselor until moving to Arkansas for a short time. She returned to California and lived with her husband in Canyon Country, before relocating to Hollister, California. The couple retired to Coos Bay, Oregon.
Betty was someone who loved to talk. She had ideas and opinions on every subject. She felt it was important that children learned to speak well, and she modeled this articulate example in many ways. What she loved talking about most was her immediate family's activities. Not only would she tell you about them – as one medical professional observed, Betty would talk about each son as if he were her favorite—she might also tell you about the delightful, intelligent person she met at a store or while traveling. No details were left unspared.
But Betty also had a philosophical side. Not only did she tell her children, "If you don't like yourself, nobody else will," but many other Bettyisms that will remain with them for years to come. She welcomed her three daughters-in-law as her own daughters. Recently she said that she felt very loved and lucky to have the love of her sons and daughters-in-law when so many other families are full of strife or neglect. One of her "daughters" said Betty had "gumption" and she reminded her of those movie heroines from the 40s.
There also was an almost childlike part of this woman that was curious about things and appreciative of beauty in its many forms. She once simply declared with conviction, "I love life!" Many people have noted her hearty laugh, self-deprecating humor and good-hearted, generous view of her neighbor. She gave good advice about career and life. She didn't want to interfere in others' lives, but she would certainly offer a suggestion or two.
Betty was fascinated with cooking and loved international cuisine. She was interested in antiques and loved cats.
Betty also could carry worry to an art form. Betty would watch the Weather Channel and fret about a possible tornado thousands of miles away from her one son or be concerned about an airport disruption that could affect another's travel. She wanted to make sure her sons ate right and got enough rest.
Now we are here to lay to rest a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was also a fellow traveler through this life, a child of God, and a believer in the saving love of Jesus Christ. She always referred to Him as the Good Lord. We know He is good because He gave her to us to love us and to be loved and now we give her back to Him.
Betty is survived by her sons Michael Bennett and wife Evy O'Leary Bennett, Robert Bennett and wife Elena of Costa Mesa, California, and Timothy Bennett and wife Marla of Batesville, Arkansas.
She is survived by her grandchildren J. Mathias Bennett and Stephan Bennett of Brea, California, Paul Bennett and wife Tara of Orange, Calif., Colin Bennett of Glendale, Calif. , and Kate Bennett of Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by her great-grandson Lucian Bennett of Orange, Calif.
The family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Healthcare Center for their competent caring of their beloved Betty.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Sat. Nov. 22nd at St. Anthony Catholic Church followed by a reception in the Parish Center. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Annex.
Garden City Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Condolences and memories may be sent to www.missoulafuneralhomes.com




Read Betty Bennett's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.