Betty Ann Grant

On March 31, 2014, Betty Ann Grant's spirit for life was released into everlasting life surrounded by her family and the Lord in her last days on earth. Cremation has taken place. Romans 8:38-39 "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Betty was born Elizabeth Ann Cleary, July 3, 1935, to Beulah and Richard Cleary in Havre, Mont. She was the second of three children. Betty attended Havre High School, and on June 8, 1952, married Gary W. Grant and together had five children. Betty's greatest joy was her five children and being a mother. Though she had many titles throughout her life, her fondest was a mother and grandmother. Betty's children were the light of her life.

Mom loved the summer months and were enjoyed by the family at the lake and mountain cabins, which included "extra kids" on many occasions. She supported and attended her children's school events, participated in church activities and loved decorating the family home for the holidays. As a young mother, her summers were also filled with go-carting and traveling around the state to races with friends and with all five of us in tow. Mom loved Glacier National Park and cherished her travels to the western side of Montana.

Mom worked outside of the home once we were all in school. She also worked part time for many years for Tillie Patterson at Patterson's. Mom was a teacher's assistant for the Special Education Division of Havre Public Schools and in later years, she managed the operations of the AV Center at Havre High School.

Her home away from home was St. Mark's Episcopal Church, a place where she found love, support and many wonderful friendships through the years. All five children were baptized and grew up in this special place, never missing a day of Sunday school and church service. Her love for St. Mark's Episcopal Church was never-ending as she continued to work in the church office and help with any task, large or small.

Our mother provided us all with love, guidance, and support throughout our childhood and adult years. Her proudest and happiest moments were centered on her children, for which we can cherish. She will be missed and loved always.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Beulah and Richard Cleary; sister, Eloise Schroeder of Boise, Idaho; and brother, Dick Cleary of Havre.

She is survived by her children, Debbie Vandeberg (Dave Henry) of Havre; Sheri Steiner (Terry) of Billings; Kim Grant, of Seattle; R.L. (Dede) of Havre and Lori Kanning (David) of Havre, and sister-in-law, Cheryl Cleary of Havre. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Alyssa Westerman of Billings; Sean Pates of Eureka, Calif., Gary Kanning of Austin, Texas, Lauren Kanning of Gorman, Texas, Landen Grant of Spokane; Nikki Smith of Lake Stevens, Wash., Logan Grant of Billings and Rylee Grant of Seattle. Mom has 10 great-grandchildren, in which she was blessed to have known and spend time with, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on June 7, 2014, at 11:30 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home is overseeing arrangements. A private family burial will precede the service. Memorials have been established at St. Mark's Episcopal Church at 539 3rd Ave., and The Havre Food Bank at 2229 5th Ave.