Betty Jean Peressini

Betty Jean Peressini, 76, passed away Friday, June 6, 2014, at her home, under the care of her loving family with assistance from the wonderful hospice caregivers. She was born Jan. 7, 1938, at St. Patrick Hospital to Herbert and Lillian Schatz.

Betty Jean graduated from Missoula County High School in 1956. She met Don Peressini, a returning veteran who was attending Montana State University, in early 1957. They soon fell in love and married Nov. 24, 1957. The next 10 years of their lives together, they moved throughout Montana, then on to Oregon for Don's career in construction. During this period, they found time to go hiking, camping, fishing and playing on the beach while raising a family of three children. Betty loved the ocean and would enjoy just walking in the sand and hearing the waves.

In 1967, they settled in Missoula and bought their property on Blue Mountain, where they began a new chapter by building a beautiful home to raise their children. There they created lasting memories on a small farm with cattle, horses, chickens, pheasants and a host of other pets. Throughout the years, she made many lifelong friendships that she loved and enjoyed, and was kind to everyone who entered her door.

Betty Jean found much joy in making crafts and going to craft fairs over the years with her family. She never missed a sporting event of her children or grandchildren. She donated countless hours of her time to building the Westside Little League baseball facility and creating a better place for kids to play.

Betty Jean is survived by her beloved husband, Don Peressini; daughters Lori (Scott) Olson and Rene' (Kelly) Quinn; son Dan (Kristie) Peressini; and their 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Barb Schatz and Virginia Davis; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Herbert Schatz, mother Lillian Schatz, sister Noreen Ward and brothers Hugo "Bud" Schatz and Herbert "Herbie" Schatz.

A service of remembrance will be held at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway, on Saturday, June 14. Viewing will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. with the service beginning at 2 p.m. Afterward a reception will be held.

Donations may be made on behalf of Betty Jean Peressini to Hospice of Missoula Foundation, hospiceofmissoula.com; or to Camp Mak-A-Dream, campdream.org.
Read Betty Peressini's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.