Betty Powell Taylor

Betty Powell Taylor, 90, of Missoula passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, of natural causes.

She was born in Provo, Utah, on Jan. 19, 1924, to Alma Joseph and Libby Powell. They lived in Utah, moving to Salt Lake City when she was 5. When she was 14 she met Dee Calderwood Taylor, the love of her life. When her parents didn't approve, they eloped in October of 1941. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Dee joined the Army Air Corps as soon as he was able and Betty followed him to 11 different airbases. Their daughter BettyDee was born on July 12, 1945, and son Mark three years later on July 12, 1948. After the war ended, Dee went to school and Betty helped support the family working in the Botany Department at the University of Michigan, where Dee got his Ph.D. in anthropology. They wanted to settle their family in the West, so Dee accepted a position at the University of Montana in 1957.

Betty spent 20 years as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross, the Battered Women's Shelter, the Missoula Art Museum, the University of Montana Museum and the Missoula County Library. She traveled with friends and family to New Zealand, Australia, England, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany, several cruises and to visit grandchildren all over the United States.

She was loved by all who knew her. She was a loving wife, great mother and wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter BettyDee Russ (Phil) of Missoula; son Mark Taylor (Jeanette) of Cornville, Arizona; grandchildren, Roz Boyd, Amy Russ Gondeiro, Brent Russ, Marnie Russ, Ryan and Geoff Taylor; great-grandchildren, Caty and Tori Gondeiro, Max and Eron Taylor and Lucas, Sophia and Olivia Boyd; niece Pat and nephew Brant. She was preceded in death by her husband Dee, her parents and her siblings.

Hospice of Missoula was a great comfort and source of support for Betty and the entire family in the last months, and her caregiver Wendy was invaluable! Betty requests that if you wish to remember her that you donate to the charity of your choice in her name. There will be no services per her request.
Read Betty Taylor's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.