Betty Jane Henderson

Betty Jane (Patton) Henderson passed away on October 30, 2018 after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday November 4, 2018 at the Eagles Lodge in Great Falls at 2:30 p.m. Betty was born on April 24, 1953 to William (Crip) and Eleanor Patton in Great Falls. She was the third in a family of four kids; older sister and brother, Judy and Bob and younger brother Tom. Betty was raised north of Great Falls on a farm in Portage, MT where she attended a one-room schoolhouse through 6th grade and later traveled to the “big city” to attend junior high at West and C.M. Russell High School, where she graduated in 1971. Shortly after graduation, she worked briefly for Ryan’s Warehouse before accepting a marriage proposal from William (Ladd) Henderson, her brother Bob’s best friend whom had “courted” her for many years. They eventually bought a home on the northwest side of town where they raised two children, JL and Sally, and where she lived the rest of her life. As a young, shy, reserved girl on the farm, Betty enjoyed riding horses, helping her mom cook harvest meals, and listening to the Beatles. One of her passions growing up was drawing and painting. Her unprecedented talent developed over the years and became a huge part of her identity. She was a contributor to many different wildlife benefits and art auctions. Her work was most notably displayed at the C.M. Russell Art Auction, where she shared an exhibit room for many years with long time friend and sculptor Ralph “Tuffy” Berg. Betty won countless People’s Choice and Best of Show awards throughout her life. Betty’s reserved nature evolved over the years into that of a social butterfly. With her growing popularity, she became involved in multiple organizations, namely Pheasants Forever and the Sun River Skeet Club, where she served as President for both. Betty had a deep passion for hunting and the outdoors. Throughout her life she harvested numerous birds, deer, elk, bear, and her prized trophy Bighorn sheep. Though unsuccessful, she continued to put in for a moose tag until the last year of her life. Betty had countless stories and experiences throughout the years with many close friends and family. Some of her favorite memories included deer hunting in Portage along with an occasional trip to a snake den with her brother and dad. She also enjoyed many pack trips into the Bob Marshal, trips to the K Bar L, weekends in Lincoln, and riding her “perfect” horse, Denny. Taking a day drive up Sun River Canyon with Ladd was also a common trip, especially the past few years. All of these adventures usually ended with a cocktail or four at the Buckhorn or Western Bar in Augusta. Betty touched and inspired everyone around her, from friends, family, or a random guy in the bar that she just met. She had an infectious smile and personality that naturally drew people to her. Family time was very important to Betty. Whether a Sunday drive with her parents, dinner at Borries, afternoon cocktails with her brother Tom, or holiday dinners at Judy’s, Betty was always up for an “event.” The love she had for her children and grandchildren was enormous. Their personalities and accomplishments were the topic of many conversations with her friends.She attended many of their sports events but mostly enjoyed watching JL and Sally play golf and her granddaughter, Kylie, play basketball and volleyball. She even braved the elements during these past few years to watch her grandson, Will-J, play soccer. Although Sammie wasn’t old enough for sports, Betty loved that Sammie was outgoing and made friends wherever she went, much like herself. Betty is survived by her husband of 46 years, Ladd; son JL Henderson and daughter Sally (Tim) Seidel; sister Judy Christensen and brothers Bob (Jolene) and Tom Patton; granddaughters Kylie Henderson and Samantha (Sammie) Seidel; grandson William (Will-J) Ratliff and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Peace Hospice House, c/o Benefis Health System Foundation, PO Box 7008, Great Falls, MT59406-7008.