Betty Jane Vallentine Donovan

Betty Jane Vallentine Donovan passed away of natural causes at Helena on September 17, 2023. Born in a log cabin at Lima, Montana to Roy Edward and Jeannette Johnson Vallentine, Betty attended country schools in eastern Montana, including the “Upper Cracker Box” school, along with public schools at Brockway, Glendive and Miles City. Betty graduated from high school in three years as Valedictorian at Lambert, Montana. While offered a scholarship at Montana State, Betty’s family couldn’t afford the necessary board and room at the Bozeman school, so, she attended Billings Business School. As Executive Director of the Missoula YWCA and the owner of three travel agencies in western Montana, Betty continued her education by attending schools at Chicago, Dallas and in California.

As a travel agent, Betty had visited all of the continents of the world, except for Antarctica and Australia, particularly enjoying Egypt, China, Singapore, India, South Africa and the headwaters of the Amazon River. Besides her travel agency, Betty managed a number of rentals, had sold Life Insurance and Tupperware and taught classes at the YWCA, including knitting, crocheting, bridge, re-upholstering and many other crafts. Betty had belonged to the Bitterroot Genealogical Society, Montana Ghost Town Preservation Society, Hamilton Gem & Mineral Group, the Lolo Square Dancers and was a member of the Eastern Star since 1955. Betty served as President of several civic organizations in Wyoming and Montana, including the American Legion Auxiliary, the local and district P.T.A., Credit Women International, Business & Professional Women’s Club and the Board of the YWCA of Missoula, Montana.

Betty enjoyed many hobbies and interests, including gourmet cooking, genealogy, hiking, fishing; collecting stamps, rocks cups & saucers and vinyl records.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Roy William, James Stanley and Robert Jack; three half-brothers, Spencer Jackson, Courtney LeRoy, and John Clayton and her oldest son, Leroy. She is survived by her son, Thomas (Bonnie) of Great Falls, her daughter Roberta Barrows (John) of Helena and four grandchildren.

At Betty’s request, no services are planned. Cremation has taken place and a private ceremony will be held by family later. Those desiring to contribute memorials are urged to give to their favorite charity.

Simple Cremation has assisted the family.

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