Betty E. (Essex) Franzen

Betty Gail Essex Franzen, 95, of Livingston, Montana, has joined her late husband, Bob, for a long-awaited fishing trip. She slept away on the morning of Sunday, February 7, 2016. Her poor old body finally gave out. A celebration of Bettys life will be held on Thursday, February 11th, 1:00 P.M., at the Franzen-Davis Chapel, 118 North 3rd Street; Livingston. A reception will follow the service at Franzen-Davis. A private family interment will follow the reception at Mountain View Cemetery. Betty was known by many names; as Betty Gail she roller skated to the Ark City library and climbed trees; as Betty Essex she worked in a munitions plant and completed nursing school after which she served her residency as a home health nurse in Detroit Michigan; as Mrs. Robert E. Franzen she was the center of a sometimes challenging family; and finally, as Grandma Betty she was the great-hearted matriarch of an expanding clan. She sang in the Holbrook Church Choir for some sixty years. Betty will be remembered for her kindness, her generous soul, her courage, and her indomitable spirit. She always loved the natural beauty which surrounded her, and the community which nestled in it. Her willing acceptance of life was obvious in her quick smile and her cheerful "howdy doody!" Bettys pride in her sons and extended family was unfailing, even humbling. It is a revelation how proud we are of her. She is survived by her sons, Scott Michael Franzen of Livingston, daughter-in-law Sherry Franzen of Eugene OR., Craig Richard Franzen and his wife MiChelle of Livingston and Kurt Raymond Franzen and his wife Bobbi Jo Franzen of Vancouver, WA. Granddaughters, Melissa Joy Franzen, Kayla Leigh Matthews-Des Chene and her husband Mark Des Chene, Kara Lynn Matthews-Ramirez and her wife, Karla Ramirez-Matthews. Kayla and Marks daughters and Bettys great-granddaughters, Alix Lynn and Annamarie. Brother, John L. Essex of Houston, TX. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents, Jess Louis and Minnette Myrtle (Volz) Essex, Sister, Maurine Schroder. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston.