Obituary - Betty Alice (Velk) Hankins

Betty Alice (Velk) Hankins of Carter passed away at the age of 92. She passed peacefully in Fort Benton on the 13th of September 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Betty was born the fourth of nine children to Thomas and Alice (Brendan) Velk on the 25th of October 1931 in Havre, MT. They raised Betty and her siblings north of Havre on a farm. She talked fondly of her time She married Joseph “Joe” Eugene Hankins on the 23rd of October 1949. They had six boys, Joseph “Joe” (Diane), Windon “Windy” (Berta), Craig (Cheryl), Robert “Bob,” Stanley ‘Stan’ (Jani), Calvin “Cal“ (Wendy). They lived and raised their boys in many places while married but they called Fort Benton and Carter Home. After Joe passed away, she remained in their home in Carter.

She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, reading, drinking tea, and baking. Over the last several years she enjoyed participating in the community baking contests, winning some of the prizes. She had a no-nonsense approach to life. Betty was a genuine and strong person. She saw the best in everyone. Her entire life was devoted to her family. From her early days on the homestead north of Havre to raising her six boys. She worked without complaint and loved unconditionally. The love of family was evident is her vast collection of photographs. You could sit for hours poring over her photo albums walking through time. She spoke about the people, places, and memories with passion and clarity.

Betty is survived by her siblings Thomas “Tommy,” Joyce, Richard “Dick,” Rayburn “Pete,” Audrey, Vincent “Vinny” (Shirley); sons Joe, Craig, Bob, Stan, and Cal; 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; Partner in Crime Barbra Hankins, and many other family members and loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her spouse, Joe; parents, Thomas and Alice; sisters Doris and Iris; son Windy; grandchildren Dianne, Lonnie, and Austen; great-grandchild Justin Hansen, and many other family members and loved ones.

A funeral will be held in her honor at the First Christian Church in Fort Benton, MT, on the 21st of September 2024 at 11 a.m.

Viewings will be the 20th of September 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fort Benton Funeral Home and

the 21st of September 2024 at 10 am at the First Christian Church.

Memorials in Betty’s honor may be made to the Carter Volunteer Fire Department.