Betty Jane Carse

HAMILTON, MT - Betty (Mrs. Leon) Carse passed away Sunday, August 22, 2010 at Discovery Care Center in Hamilton, MT. She was born Betty Jane Little in Colorado Springs, CO on January 6, 1918. Betty was the youngest daughter of Charles Elmer Little and Clara McMillan Little, however when she was just 4 her brother, the lifelong apple of her eye, was born. The family moved to Southern California in the 30's, where Betty later met and, in 1936, married Leon "Deede" Carse . Leon became a career Navy officer, and that career took he and Betty to many Naval bases around the US. They eventually settled in Salinas, CA, where they both lived until he passed away in 1974. Betty continued to live in Salinas until her failing health required constant care, and in July 2007 her family assisted her in moving to Montana where she would be close to her niece, Carole Long.

Betty was a member of Eastern Star, where she served in various offices, including Worthy Matron in 1968.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Clara Little, her beloved husband Leon "Deede" Carse, her sisters Dorothy Shoemaker and Marian Warren, and her brother Charles "Chuck" Little, and nephew Richard Shoemaker

She is survived by nieces Patricia (Mrs. David) Azevedo, Carole Long, Robin (Mrs. John) Gough and Candy (Mrs. Tim) Cook, and nephew Bill Shoemaker, as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews and a caring friend, Mike McLaughlin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betty's name to Veterans of Foreign Wars, organizations supporting orphans or animals, or your favorite charity would be appreciated.