Elizabeth (Betty) Alexine McGiffin

ELIZABETH (BETTY) ALEXINE MCGIFFIN

Elizabeth (Betty) Alexine McGiffin died December 28 at the age of 99 from natural causes. She was born July 9, 1917, in Bozeman to Alexander and Jennie Highsted Swanson. Betty was the second youngest of the Swanson’s six children, three boys and three girls.

The Swansons lived on and operated a ranch along Bridge Creek near Bozeman until Betty started grade school and the family moved into town. Her father then owned a feed and grain company in Bozeman. Her mother was a homemaker.

Betty graduated from Gallatin County High School in 1935 and from Montana State College (now Montana State University) with honors in 1940. She received a teaching certificate but never worked in that capacity. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, Phi Kappa Phi honorary and Mortar Board. She was a life member of the MSU Alumni Association.

Shortly after graduation, Betty accepted an office job at the Airbase in Great Falls. Seeking more of a challenge, she next took a position with Nelson-Smith Construction Company in Great Falls. She managed their office for four years. It was here that she met her future husband, Clinton (Bud) McGiffin. Betty and Bud were married in a church wedding on December 20, 1946, in Great Falls.

Bud worked for the Montana Highway Department, eventually becoming a highway construction engineer. Betty became their homemaker. They lived in Choteau, Conrad, Valier, Wolf Creek, and Great Falls until Bud retired in 1971. They then moved to Polson where they built a home overlooking Flathead Lake and planted an orchard of apple, cherry, and pear trees. Bud did the construction and Betty did the painting on their retirement home.

Betty enjoyed golfing with Bud, playing bridge, reading, and gardening. She was an excellent cook. In Polson, Betty was a member of the South Shore Garden Club, several bridge clubs, the Ladies’ Golfing Association, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

For 10 years, Betty and Bud spent their winters in Hemet, California, and traveled to Italy, France, England, Switzerland, New England, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico.

In 2000, Betty and Bud moved to Hunters Pointe Retirement Residence in Helena to be near their nephew and his wife, Bob and Valencia Lane. Bud died February 3, 2004. They had been married for 57 years. Betty moved to Son Heaven Assisted Living Facility in January, 2011 where she was lovingly cared for. She was an avid reader up until the very end of her life.

Betty was a refined and proper lady with a kind and generous nature along with a keen sense of humor. She formed strong bonds with those close to her.

Survivors are two nephews and their spouses, Bob (Valencia) Lane of Helena and Bill (Marily) Lane of Golden, Colorado and a number of grand nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, three brothers, a niece and a grandniece.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Retz Funeral Home. At Betty’s request, no funeral services will be held. This spring the family will hold a private ceremony to plant a tree as a memorial and to scatter her ashes as requested. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Betty.