Elizabeth “Betty” Julia Shearer, 80, passed away peacefully in her home on February 7, 2014. Betty passed away, as she would say, from the natural causes of “old age”. She was born on May 12, 1933 to Julia and George Kokoruda in Helena MT. She was raised in Helena and spent the rest of her adult life in Townsend, MT. She was an extraordinary woman who was known to survive on three hours of sleep a night while being a full-time employee as a Certified Nurses Aid at “The Rest Home on The Hill”, a full-time parent, a full-time ranch hand, as well as a full time farmer’s wife. Betty married the love of her life, Lawrence L. Shearer, on July 25, 1951. Following their marriage they raised their daughter, Marie Miller and son, Martin Shearer.
Betty also raised her three granddaughters; Julie Humphreys, Kristie Collins, and Candice Lessley due to a time of need by many. She would have continued raising her grandchildren if the opportunity arose. Betty was an inspiration to so many, and a faithful member to The Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church.
Many people referred to Betty as the “rain lady”. When joys and concerns were opened at church it was a guarantee that she would pray for rain. The more rain the better, some people would ask her to hold off on the prayers because of the abundance of rain.
Betty Shearer was preceded in death by her parents, Julia and George Kokoruda; husband: Lawrence L. Shearer; brothers: Bill Kokoruda; and Bob Kokoruda and grandson: Robert L. Ingersoll on August 11, 1985.
Betty is survived by her children, Martin Shearer and Marie (Matt) Miller; sisters; Patsy Ziesman and Geraldine Ogle; grandchildren, Olivia Ingersoll (Garth) Vander Houwen, Keith Ingersoll, Julie (Wayne) Humphreys, Kristie (Rick) Collins, Candice (Jeremy) Lessley, Alexandra Shearer and Danielle Shearer.
She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Summer and Apryl Schwope, Eric and Nicholas Humphreys, Elizabeth and Violet Collins, Elsie Vander Houwen, Daniel and Mia Shearer, Mathew and Preston Shearer, Bryce Lessley; step—grandchildren, Kayla Baily, Alexis Lessley, Taeler Lessley and Tyler Collins.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Rocky Mountain Hospice for caring and comforting Betty Shearer for the final days of her life. The family feels a great amount of gratitude for hospice and their willingness to help us in our time of need.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church, 20 Trailhead View Drive, Townsend MT 59644. Honoring the services will be Pastor Mike Dexter. The reception will be held at Trailhead immediately after the service, the burial will then follow the reception between 1:15-1:30 P.M. at Deep Creek Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established in Betty’s name to assist her family with final expenses at The State Bank of Townsend.
God Bless!!!
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday February 13, 2014
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
Highway 12 East
Townsend, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Thursday February 13, 2014
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church`
HIghway 12 East
Townsend, Montana
Burial
Approximately 1:30 p.m.
Thursday February 13, 2014
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday February 13, 2014
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
Highway 12 East
Townsend, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Thursday February 13, 2014
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church`
HIghway 12 East
Townsend, Montana
Burial
Approximately 1:30 p.m.
Thursday February 13, 2014
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana
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Matt & Shelly Horne says
we were saddened to hear of Betty’s passing our heartfelt sympathy goes to your family
Erin Cobban says
Kristie & Family….. My heart is aching right now. I have so many fond memories of Grandma Betty. As we have all grown up on gone or separate ways I will never forget the times we all shared. She was truly amazing. My prayers are with All of you and your families. May time heal your hearts.
Gail M Spatz says
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. I was privilaged to have worked with Betty ‘up on the hill’ when we first moved to town. She was always so cheerful and willing to lend a helping hand to all. She was a very hard worker and will be missed by all.
Swede & Kelly Anderson says
Prayers and thoughts to Betty’s family. She was a kind, caring lady and loved “praying for rain”.
violet collins says
she was amazing! We all loved her I know this was a while ago but she is still always on my mind. I remember mornings with her she would make these eggs and we called them grandma betty eggs. She is so special to me that I don’t really remember a ton about her except that she was an amazing great-grandma.