Diana Lee Betts

Diana Betts, 89, A very loving mother of 4, and caretaker of many earning her the affectionate nickname of “Sarge” to those who she touched in her life.  Grandmother of 7, and great-grandmother of 7 with one on the way. A loving wife for 69 years plus to her high school sweetheart, Carl Betts. She left our world on June 15th, 2024 and went home to be with her family in heaven. As the journey with dementia began with our mother/wife, there are just no words that will describe how all of the love we have received has been all-encompassing and heartfelt. Those words shared whether in person or written brought us some peace as we watched our mom/wife slowly leave us.

   She was always a force to contend with and a trail blazer for all the young women in her life. She has always been one to write her own story and always one to do it her way on her terms.  Diana’s life began on March 12, 1935 in Hardin, Montana. Her parents were Kendall Wolcott and Dorothy (Fishbach) Wolcott. She was the eldest of 3, her sister Gloria Zollar (deceased), and her brother Barry Wolcott. She grew up in Hardin with a small stint in Hamilton, Montana. She first saw Carl from afar while he was riding a horse and just knew he was the one. They both graduated from Hardin High School and were each other’s one and only. They were married in St. Joseph’s Catholic church on a very cold night on March 26th 1955. She then had to return to nursing college where she soon finished her education and graduated in 1956 from Montana State School of Nursing in Billings. She became a registered nurse with her expertise as a surgical nurse and worked on the Pediatrics’ floor at Deaconess Hospital. She also worked for Dr. Hagan at a Pediatric clinic during her nursing career.  Our 5 foot nothing of a mom had so many stories to share of her experiences during her time at Warm Springs as an intern nurse and how difficult it was to work on the Pediatrics’ ward. She was one to take each one of her patients under her wing and they became part of her family. She eventually became a stay-at-home mom when her first daughter was born in Billings, as well as her second daughter. Carl and Diana then transferred to Casper, Wyoming with Burlington Northern Trucking where their first son was born. Her youngest was born in the summer of 71 in Casper while they were living in Riverton, Wyoming and will be forever the baby brother to his siblings. She became an expert on how to pack up a house on a moment’s notice and was able to adjust to the different places they would move to as we grew up. After several moves due to few transfers for different trucking companies they landed in Worden, Montana and were always very active in all of the activities of her children and grandchildren. She loved sports and could be that “fanatic” fan. Her love of knitting found her creating many items including afghans that have blessed the homes of those she loved as well as slippers and many other items.  The coffee pot was always full and they were always ready to visit with whoever came through the door. Her love of history was ever present as we always had to stop at every Historical spot along side the road, museum, or historical tourist attractions on our way to our destination. She loved talking history with whoever and would always correct you if you had the facts wrong. Her family will dearly miss her phone calls that usually came early in the morning or during dinner. Sometimes calling right back if she forgot to tell you something. Her hand written letters that she sent you would always have news articles or a little something she wanted to share with you. When you came home to visit you always had a box or sack full of goodies to take home. Her love for her family was always evident with her hugs, her smile, her laugh, and her pure joy of family around the table for whatever occasion. She will forever be in our hearts.

    She leaves behind her husband Carl Betts, daughters Colette Betts Granbois (husband Tom, granddaughters Heather (Katie) and Jessica (Isaiah) and grandson Andrew (Sheena) and Danielle Betts (grandsons, Bejamin (Terra), Chad (Janelle), and Justin (Becca), her two sons Cary Betts (wife Julie), and Kyle Betts (wife Nicole and granddaughter Kassie), and 7 great children plus one on the way.

A reception will be held after the services at 3:00 PM in Huntley at the Homesteader Hall, 760 Railroad Highway.

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