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Betty Joann Western
GREAT FALLS —Betty Joann Western, 80, of Great Falls, passed away on December 6, 2014 of natural causes.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Joann was born on July 1, 1934 in Columbus, Georgia. At age 11 she moved to La Center, Washington where she was taken in by a loving family, Oscar and Iola Payne. She grew up on the Washington coast with her brother Ward Payne and she loved her parents Oscar and Iola with all her heart. She enjoyed playing many sports with her brother and the neighborhood children; including basketball and football. She could throw a ball as well as any of the boys. She also played on a championship softball team. She enjoyed playing music with the family and it was her father who taught her to play the saxophone. She graduated from La Center High School in Clark County, Washington on May 28, 1953. She was a member of the glee club and 4H during high school. She went to many state competitions and won several state titles for cooking for many years in a row while in 4H. After high school she worked for Myers and Franks Department Store in Portland, Oregon where she learned the art of fashion.
Joann was married to Gaynor Western on February 14, 1959 and that same year moved to Great Falls. She was blessed with three boys, Dennis, Steven, and Scott Western. She later divorced Gaynor in 1971. The boys were the love of her life. She worked as an LPN at Deaconess Hospital and she was a licensed dental assistant. In September, 1976 she went to work for the oral surgeon, Dr. David Haefer. She thoroughly enjoyed her position and devoted her life to his profession with her work. She continued to faithfully serve him for 25 years before retiring in 2001.
She was a mentor to many people with her expertise and touched many lives within her working career. She was a loving mother, dedicating her life to the boys. She was a den mother for Cub Scouts and attended numerous baseball games. She also spent time at the Electric City Speedway, where she could be found cheering her boys on. She was hardworking, had a very big heart, and very compassionate.
Joann loved to bake and made many goodies throughout the years for her family. She enjoyed fishing, spending time outdoors, making several trips to the West Coast every summer for several years, an avid golfer, spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids. She loved being around her family.
She was a lifelong member of the fraternal order of Eagles and Montana Dental Association, attending a conference where she received an award.
Joann was able to live in her own home up until the last eight months of her life. She spent her final days in the loving and compassionate care of Peace Hospice, as well as the caring staff at the Linden Home of Bee Hive Homes. It was there that she touched many lives. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her sons Dennis (Jane) Western of Goffstown, NH, Steven (Paula) Western of Great Falls, Scott (Robin) Western of Great Falls; brother, Ward (Dorothy) Payne of Long Beach, WA; five grandsons, one granddaughter, and many great-grandchildren.
Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Iola Payne and sister Dorothy Smith of Washington State.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made to The Jolly Rogue Shrine Clown Unit, P.O. Box 6807, Great Falls, MT, 59406 or Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405.
Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Scott and Family
Sorry to hear about your Mom. I enjoyed getting to know her. She is a wonderful Mom I wish you and your family well.
Take Care
Hazen family Gresham or
Robert Hazen
December 15, 2014
Joann is one of those people who could be in your life for a brief time, yet impact you forever. I was fortunate enough to train as a dental assistant under her for two weeks back in 1987 and will remember her always. She was a n excellent assistant to Dr. Hafer and mentor to many.
December 15, 2014
Steve and Paula, So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Thoma
December 11, 2014
We are deeply sorry for the loss of our very special and dear friend. Joann had such a way to give advice without anyone knowing! We will truly miss her and know she joins many other family and friends. God Bless Dennis, Steven and Scott. We will be thinking about you today and always. Love, Brad, Carlene and family.
December 11, 2014
Dennis, I'm sorry to see that your mother passed. I have many good memories of her putting up with us as teenagers and all the headaches that I'm sure that we caused her.
Tim Penberthy
December 10, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 10, 2014
Scott, Robin and family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tammy and Doug Morse
December 10, 2014
Steve and Paula, we send our deepest sympathy to you and the family. She will be with you in spirit and in heart forever.
Pete and Connie Stoltz
December 10, 2014
I worked with Joanne at Dr. Haefer's and we loved to exchange jokes. Sorry for your loss.
Laurie Harsh
December 10, 2014
Scott, Robin & family, I'm very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jen Lightner
December 10, 2014
Joann was a classic, one of a kind lady that I am proud to have called a friend. Good memories of her will never leave our memories.
Scott and Beth Enloe
December 10, 2014
Scott, may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sherry and Louis Gutenberg
December 10, 2014
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