Elizabeth (Betty) Schenk, 89, passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT on May 22, 2014. Betty was born on January 26, 1925 in Redwood County, Minnesota to Mary (Plotz) and John Hofmann – the third of eight children.
Betty was raised in Wanda, MN. She was the first of her family to graduate high school. Betty met and later married Robert (Bob) Schenk on April 4, 1945. They were married 61 years. In 1956 Bob & Betty sold everything they owned except their five children and whatever would fit in a small two wheel trailer and moved to Montana. The Schenk family ranched in Hall, Three Forks, and Whitehall, MT before selling and moving into town. Betty worked in the clothing store and then went to work at the Whitehall Bank. Upon retirement in 1987, they moved to Townsend where she could continue her love of fishing and camping.
Betty excelled at many things. Among them were bowling, square dancing, pinochle, cooking, sewing and fishing. She was well known for her beautiful crocheted tablecloths, runners and doilies. In a 2 year period she made 35 quilts of all sizes ensuring that each child, grandchild and great grandchildren had one to enjoy. Betty loved her family and lived a good life. We all have great memories of time spent with Mom and Grandma.
She is survived by her children Dennis Schenk (Carol Lorz) of Townsend, MT, David Schenk (Nancy) of Ennis, MT; Judy Schenk of Townsend, MT; Jan Schenk (fiancée , Larry) of Helena, MT; and Steve Schenk (Kathy) of Helena, MT; 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 2 great,great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers- Frank Hofmann, Johnnie Hofmann (Georgine), Joe Hofmann; sisters-Magdalene Schroedl (Bob), Madeline Hughes, and Pat Guetter (Chuck) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her grandson, Curtis Williams; and her brother, Benjamin Hofmann,and sisters-in-law, Irene, Janet and Gretchen Hofmann.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31st at the United Methodist Church in Townsend, MT, followed by a reception at the Church. Burial will be at the Deep Creek Cemetery following the reception. Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home of Townsend is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Betty.
Donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of St. Peters, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 31, 2014
Townsend United Methodist Church
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Saturday May 31, 2014
Social Center of the church
,
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 31, 2014
Townsend United Methodist Church
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Saturday May 31, 2014
Social Center of the church
,
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Wanda Arlint says
Dear Jan and family:
We are very sorry for your loss. Betty was a great woman and our children thought of her as a grandma. Your parents were our neighbors when we lived in Lake View Manor in Townsend. They babysat our children, Mandy and Josh for 3 months of the year after school while I was working. They fed them cookies, pickled stuff and fish. We would watch their house while they were on trips away from home. Betty made each of the kids a beautiful sweater. They were great neighbors and always there when we needed a friend. We stopped by for a visit several times after we moved away. We shared Christmas Cards for several years later too. Please find comfort in knowing we care.
Sincerely,
Wanda and Steve Arlint
Joshua Arlint
Mandy Steinmetz
Glen and Loine Reinhardt says
Dear Dave and Nancy,
So sorry for your loss. Didn’t have the pleasure of meeting your Mom, but she must of been a nice lady, since she raised a great son. Yes, Dave I mean you. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Sanchez says
Dear Dave & Nancy,
Thinking of you at this time, with the loss of your mother, Dave. She sounds like a wonderful woman who was loved by so many people!
Blessings,
Kathy & Steve Sanchez
Sandy Strozzi House says
When I think about your mom I smile, she was such a fun loving person. I worked for several years at the Bank in Whitehall with her and enjoyed every minute of it. We had some good times with Bob and Betty when they were the 4 B’s, bowling with my mom and dad. My heart goes out to all her family, knowing she will be greatly missed.
The Wootton's, Kathy, Debi, Susan says
DEAR DAVE AND NANCY,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family in your time of sorrow. Your Mother lived a full and wonderful life and you must have great memories. God bless.
Amy Holtz and family says
Dear Judy, Jeanette, Mike, MC and Parker,
I am very sorry for you loss. It is never easy to lose someone that you love so much. Just know that our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Always cherish the memories for no one can take that away from you. Love you all!
Amy, Mike, Riley and Sid
Don and Beth Derby says
We are so sorry for your loss. Just wanted you all to know that we are thinking of you.
Grace Bailey/Whitman & family says
Dave & Nancy
Although I never met your Mother, Dave; she must have been a pretty neat lady. As her son I know you made her a proud mother and grandmother. My prayers are with you and Nancy.
Linda Anderson Hartman says
Even though I didn’t know your mother very well while living in Three Forks, I know she and your father raised 5 respectable children. The obituary states that she worked for a clothing store while in Whitehall? Just wonder if my brother, David, had the store at that time. I pray God will provide comfort and peace for you all.