Betty Bertha (Fandrich) Horne passed away on November 10, three months after she suffered from a stroke. On July 29, 1937, Betty was born to Abraham and Amy (Hinch) Fandrich in Washburn, North Dakota, the oldest of four children. The family moved to Townsend in 1939, where she attended grade school and graduated from Broadwater High school in 1956. Shortly after graduation, Betty married the love of her life Ray Horne on June 20, 1956. Together they had four wonderful children: Raymond Dean; Valerie Jean; Karen Kay; and Deena Rae. Ray and Betty farmed and raised pigs in the Crow Creek Valley, where they raised their girls and made lifelong friends. Betty was a homemaker, took care of the farm with Ray, and drove bus for 40 years. Many students in the community remember Betty as their school bus driver, where she drove for the Crow Creek and Townsend School District. Her students enjoyed their time on the bus with her and knew Betty was quick to lend them some money or support any fundraising efforts. Betty was always willing to lend a hand or cook a warm meal for neighbors and friends. As a 4H leader, she served for many years specializing in cooking and sewing. Betty volunteered as one of the first female firefighters for the Toston Fire District. Driving came natural to Betty and she was often found behind the wheel of the school bus, potato truck, hauling corn silage, fire truck, pulling a stock trailer, and hauling the kids’ 4H animals to the fair. The family moved up Deep Creek in 1977, where Ray and Betty lived a joyful life surrounded by kids and grandkids. She was very creative and enjoyed passing time making crafts, putting together puzzles, cooking German food, and making flower arrangements. She never missed a Memorial Day to place flower baskets around the cemetery for family members. On a sunny afternoon, you could always find Betty riding shotgun with Ray, going for a drive in the woods. The pair enjoyed spending their summers up in the mountains camping, playing cards, and spraying weeds. Cooking, baking, and candy making were some of Betty’s favorite things and she never turned down a sweet treat. Each Christmas, Betty would make sweet popcorn balls for all her bus kids. Family was everything to Betty and she enjoyed having everyone over to her house for Christmas Eve dinner and present exchange. Later in life, Betty enjoyed journaling and writing about what her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were up to. She was so proud. There was nothing she loved more than spending time with her girls and family.
Betty is survived by her loving daughters Valerie (Roy) Hornsveld, Karen Horne, and Deena (Lonnie) Gobbs; her grandchildren JR (Heather) Middlemas, Charity (Jason) Krebs, Lane (Azher) Gobbs, and Casey (Kelley) Gobbs; the loves of her life and great-grandchildren Hogan Krebs, Harrison Krebs, Adara Middlemas, Mayble Sue Gobbs; sister Margo Dale, brother Abe (Cathy) Fandrich, sister-in-law Helen Fandrich and special cousin, Carole Prepple. She will be missed by her four-legged companion Sassy and many other family members, friends, and former bus students.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband Ray; their son Dean; her parents; brother Doug;son-in-law David Middlemas and nephew Dirk Reister.
The family would like to thank the staff, providers, and caretakers at the Broadwater Health Center nursing home, staff of Frontier Hospice, and this loving community. Words can’t express the gratitude and love the family has felt in the last few months with Betty.
A service celebrating Betty’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15th at Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church, 20 Trailhead View Dr. in Townsend. A social gathering will follow the service in the fellowship hall at the church. Instead of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Betty’s memory to Broadwater Community Health Foundation and Broadwater Health Center Ambulance Service.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
3:00 p.m.
Friday November 15, 2019
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Coffee & Cookie Hour
Following the service
Friday November 15, 2019
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Dr.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
3:00 p.m.
Friday November 15, 2019
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Coffee & Cookie Hour
Following the service
Friday November 15, 2019
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Dr.
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Amanda Ferrat says
Betty was an extra grandma to me as she was my Grandma Elaine’s dear friend. I loved staying with my grandparents out in Toston so I could ride the bus with Betty. I appreciated her no nonsense attitude, it complimented her sense of humor and kind heart well. I loved Betty dearly and will miss her very much. I hope she’s catching up on gossip with Grandma Elaine. Love and condolences to all her family.
Richard Marion says
My heart felt condolences to all of Betty’ s family. She was a wonderful woman and I pray for the family to find some peace through all of this.
Sharon says
My heart goes out to all of you. What a fun loving friend. We so many good times together over the years and lots of laughs. She was one of a kind. Loved her dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Love and hugs!!
Donna Amaro says
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know that your mom passed away. She was always so funny. She will be missed.
Renea Howard says
So sorry to hear about Betty. Heaven gained a wonderful angel in her. Big hugs to all of you
Teena Leanhart says
Our loving God is embracing all of you at this sorrowful time.
There are so many memories of your family! All of them warming my heart.
Indeed, Heaven has gained another Angel!
My love, prayers and hugs to all. ❤️🙏
Jill Kolberg (DeRoest) says
The Angels are celebrating this one for sure. I just sent a post card yesturday for some ALASKA cheer… foward it on up and Mom will enjoy it too. Hugs to the family and all the hearts she is leaving a whole in.
Jilly-Bean Kolberg
Tammy Beattie says
Sorry for the loss of your mom….hugs!
Dee Ellen Hensley Toy says
I remember Betty and Ray helping my dad on our ranch when i was growing up. We use to have good times. Betty was a very special lady and she let you know what was going on. Also riding the bus. My prayers and condolences to her family.
Cheri Downing says
What a wonderful lady! I’m so glad I had the opportunity to met Betty ( and Ray). I enjoyed our visits at Bob’s. She was so proud of her family. Thoughts, prayers and hugs.
Bill kearns says
Rest In Peace dear betty
Rodney says
I didn’t know Betty but in reading her obituary, I found her to be a wonderful lady full of warmth and love. All of her family and friends should be proud that they had the opportunity to know her. What a GREAT tribute to her!
JAnet Jones says
Deena so sorry to hear of your Mothers death. she was a wonderful lady who just kept going on with her life and recovered from her accident quite some time ago. I did not know she had a stroke 3 months ago. I am sure she will be missed. JAnet & J.L.
Anna casagranda says
We will miss you betty we send thoughts and prayers for the family love your friends clyde and anna