Elizabeth Washburn

01/16/1917 to 01/11/2017Bettie was a very strong independent woman with an interesting life. From her early years of growing up in the Panama Canal Zone, to a young woman being trained to sing, and later teaching operatic singing at the Boston Conservatory. After her singing career, she became an activities coordinator for the US military in Japan during the 1950s. Following her time in Japan, she got married, and later moved back to the Canal Zone to raise her son. She eventually returned to the States to continue her career as an activities coordinator at Malstrom Air Force Base for 26 years.After retirement, she enjoyed her time showing and competing with her Afghan dogs at dog shows, volunteering at Benefis Hospital, and gardening in her yard. Up to the end she was a lively conversationalist and gracious hostess to any visitors and fellow residents at the Rainbow Hotel in Great Falls, Montana.She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, two brothers, two nieces and a nephew.Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral liturgy at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name can be made to Great Falls Animal Shelter or Benefis Foundation.