Betty J. Wetzel

Betty Wetzel left this earthly existence for Heaven on December 16, 2017 in Missoula. Betty Jane Nordloh Wetzel was born in Denver, Colorado on August 23, 1920 to John and Martha Nordloh. She grew up on a ranch in Strasburg, Colorado with her two brothers, John and Paul.

She married Barton Wetzel on January 5, 1940 in Colorado. They lived in Idaho and New Mexico before moving to Dixon, Montana in December 1959. They were the parents of six children: Forrest (Arlene) Wetzel, Dennis Wetzel, Rae (Ray) Wilde, Wayne (Marcia) Wetzel, Barbara (Eric) Rempp and Mertie (Stan) Pfleiger.

Betty had 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Betty’s life was busy with family, work and church. Betty and Bart grew a large garden and preserved the bounteous harvest to share with everyone. As she grew older and could no longer garden, she was repaid by generous neighbors who shared their harvests with her.

Betty loved her flowers and enjoyed her beautiful yard. She was an avid reader and read many good books, but mostly read her bible every day. She loved all kinds of puzzles, especially crosswords. Betty was an amazing seamstress and knitter.

She made many items of clothing for her family and many afghans as well. She liked to keep busy! Betty’s sense of humor was always evident in her interactions with her friends, family and strangers she just met. She always had a smile and an infectious laugh. In spite of the trials in her life, she was always optimistic and her faith was unwavering. She loved Jesus Christ and was ready to meet him after 97 years on this earth.

Besides working as a nurse’s aide in New Mexico and St. Ignatius for many years, Betty volunteered at the grade school and the Senior Center in Dixon. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Betty was instrumental in founding the Dixon Community Baptist Church and was so excited to see her dream of a church in Dixon fulfilled and to have its membership grow.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, John and Martha, her brothers, John and Paul, her husband, Barton, her son, Dennis, and her granddaughter, Samantha. She is survived by her five children, Forrest, Rae, Wayne, Barbara and Mertie and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Service will be held for Betty on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. at Dixon School Gymnasium with a short graveside service following.