Betty Mae Lowthian

Betty Mae (Noblitt) Lowthian, a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, friend, and former teacher, passed away at WestPark Village Senior Living Community on Saturday, June 23, 2012, surrounded by her family. Betty Mae lived to be 86 years old.

She was born Sept. 12, 1925, in Great Falls. Betty Mae was the daughter of Wayne and Eula (Johnston) Noblitt. A farm girl at heart, she graduated from Denton high school on May 23, 1946. She loved animals, especially horses, and enjoyed riding when time would permit. Betty Mae left Denton to attend Colorado Woman's College for one year in Denver. She transferred to the University of Montana in Missoula, became an Alpha Phi, and received her degree in Business Administration in 1947.

She met her husband, Archie W. Lowthian, of Peerless, while attending the U of M, and they were married in Denton on June 12, 1946. Archie was her love and companion for 53 adventuresome years. Their marriage produced one creative genius, their son Leonard Wayne Lowthian, on May 9, 1953.

The family later moved to Tulsa, Okla., where she received a degree in Elementary Education. She taught fourth grade in Billings at Meadowlark and Rimrock Elementary, and was highly regarded by her students. She had a mind for details and exposed her students to the wonders of a good education. She also taught school in Denton, Midwest, and Casper, Wyo. Betty Mae was a secretary in the land department of the Barnsdal Oil Co. and the Wilshire Oil Co. in Casper as well.

She was a member of the American Legion, Eastern Star Auxiliary, and the Mayflower Society. One of the greatest loves of her life was collecting early Montana antiques.

Betty Mae had a tremendous mind for business and investments, and loved a good political discussion, as she was very well read.

She became a grandmother for the first time on Nov. 29, 1983, when her grandson, James Wayne Lowthian, was born to Leonard and Mary Pat (McMahon) Lowthian. She and Archie spent many exciting years dealing with the energy and antics of James. Leonard married Kris Poppler, and she became the proud grandmother to three new grandchildren: Katy, Emily and Andy Zachariasen.

Betty Mae was one of the kindest, most thoughtful women around, with a very independent spirit. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved teasing people. She always strove for excellence in all her dealings, and was a wise and highly intelligent companion and friend. She had a commanding presence, and all those who came to know her loved bathing in her wisdom and sincere friendship.

"We love you oh so deeply, we'll be there by your side, as God brings home our angel, in heaven you'll reside."

Her husband, Archie, preceded her in death in 1999.

Survivors include her son Leonard and his wife, Kris (Poppler), of Denton; Mary Pat (McMahon) Lowthian of Billings; four grandchildren, James Lowthian and Katy Zachariasen of Billings, and Emily and Andy Zachariasen of Nashville, Tenn.; and brother-in-law Wayne Lowthian of Scobey.

Cremation has taken place, and at her request no services are planned. There will be a private inurnment in Scobey.

Betty Mae lived many years at WestPark Village, and she enjoyed and appreciated all that the staff and residents did, especially in her final days.

Memorials may be sent to WestPark Village Senior Living Community at 2351 Solomon Ave., Billings, MT 59102; Gabriel's Foundation of HOPE, P.O. Box 2437, Woodinville, WA 98072; Rocky Mountain Hospice, 2110 Overland Ave., Billings, MT 59102; or any charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfgbillings.com through "Our Families."

Betty Mae Lowthian