Betty Lou Billmayer

Betty Lou (Benson) Billmayer left this earth on Saturday, November 15, 2025 surrounded by her family. Betty faced a short, courageous battle with a rare neurological disease. She fought valiantly but the cruel disease quickly took her from us. Betty was born in Havre, Montana on September 22, 1954 to Russell and Cora (Emerson) Benson. Betty was a proud lifetime Harlem Wildcat. From the time she was a little girl, Betty knew she wanted to be a mom and a nurse. When she was a sophomore in high school she met the love of her life, Mark and added marrying him to her list of goals. They began dating as sophomores at Harlem High School and attended the Prom by leading out the grand march.
After graduating she went to nursing school at Northern Montana College and finished her training in Warm Springs. Her first nursing job was as a nurse for Dr. Leeds in Chinook. She later found her favorite job and worked as an OB nurse in Havre at Northern Montana Hospital. She truly loved being a part of people's lives and helped deliver multiple babies in the community. Even after she stepped away from full time nursing, she continued to care for her community. Betty worked with her church in many roles, Blaine County Health Department, hospice, Blaine County Ambulance Crew, Sweet Memorial Nursing home, ZAP (Zurich Association of Parents), Sonshine School, AWANA, Loaves and Fishes, Royal Family Kids camp supporter, Zurich playgroup, 4-H leader, Community Thanksgiving Dinner and probably many other opportunities we aren't remembering. Betty also showed her love by feeding the community by always baking pies and cookies, serving meals, and hosting friends and family in her home. Mark and Betty were experts at hosting gatherings at their home and genuinely loved showing hospitality – everyone was always welcome.
Betty and Mark were married December 16, 1973 and they lived together in Zurich where they raised their three girls – Shannon, Sheri, and Stephanie. Betty loved being a wife and mother and the years were filled with celebrating holidays, creating traditions, family vacations, and being involved in the community. She became an integral part of M&B Farms and B&B Buyers and was Mark's partner both in life and in business. The two celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family on the beaches of Hawaii. Betty always said she wanted to marry Mark, be a nurse and have babies. She accomplished her dreams at a young age.
When her grandchildren were born, she lived out her new dream and favorite role as a grandmother. Betty was present for the birth of each of her grandchildren - Hannah, Isabella, Olivier, Zyon, Alia and Gaya and even was able to relive her days as an OB nurse and delivered Alia at Sheri's home in Kirkland when Alia made a quick entrance to the world. She took her role as a grandmother to heart and each day ensured her grandchildren knew she loved them.
Betty is survived by her husband Mark, daughters Shannon (Alan) Van Voast, Sheri (Patrick) Kabore and Stephanie (Andre) Silva, grandchildren Annie (Shea) Meissner, Hannah & Isabella Van Voast, Miguel, Zyon and Gaya Silva, Olivier and Alia Kabore, brother Bernard (Mary) Bell, brother Bruce (Terrie) Benson, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Betty is preceded in death by her parents Russell & Cora Benson and sister Barbara Weber.
Betty loved volunteering her time and talents to support local causes. Most importantly she loved Jesus and her goal was to show His love to those around her. Betty worked hard to be Jesus with skin on to those around her. The family has asked that memorial money be sent to a local charity of your choice, or even better-spend some time volunteering and learn to love the feeling of sharing your gifts and talents.
The family is inviting you to celebrate Betty's life. There is a viewing at Wilderness Funeral Home on Thursday, November 20 from 6 – 9PM. Friday, November 21st we will gather at Wing Cemetery in Hogeland, MT at 9:30 for a burial and then meet at the Commercial Building at the Blaine County Fairgrounds for a service honoring Betty's life at 12:30 followed by a lunch and cookie bar.
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