Betty Ann Johnson

Betty Hendricksen Johnson passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at her home in Hamilton, surrounded by her devoted and loving family.

Born July 23, 1939, in Charlo, MT, to James and Coryl Foy Hendricksen, Betty was the second of four beautiful daughters. She attended Charlo public schools and graduated from high school in 1957. That fall, Betty entered St. Patrick’s School of Nursing, receiving her RN degree in 1960. During this time, her friendship with a good‑looking boy she first met at a junior high track meet blossomed into courtship.

Jim Johnson and Betty were married on September 2, 1962, in the Charlo Methodist Church. Betty worked as head nurse on the surgical floor and later as an OB/GYN office nurse. Soon they began their family with the first of their three daughters, Maribeth; next came Cassandra; and they saved the best for last, Marjorie.

Betty was an accomplished mother and wife. She enthusiastically attended every athletic and musical endeavor of her children and later her grandchildren. She sewed tricky dance costumes, a memorably complicated prom dress, cooked delicious meals daily, read books voraciously, and created warm, loving homes out of numerous acquired houses and West Fork cabins that Jim dealt in.

Every day, Betty would walk or jog the trail alongside Highway 93 south of Hamilton. Unless she and Jim were at the cabin or traveling, she was out there through all kinds of weather—snow, sleet, and ice—walking for nearly three decades. Many people would comment to her or thank her for picking up garbage and inspiring them to get out and get moving.

Griz Football was a passion for Betty. She knew every player’s name, hometown, and background story. She gladly hosted Saturday viewing parties, with everyone welcome.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and her parents. She is survived by her daughter Maribeth Talia (Joe Butsick) and her sons James and Nik; her daughter Cassandra Toth (James) and her children Jackson (wife Katie) and Emerald; and her daughter Marjorie Huls (Todd Townsend) and her children Julia and Daniel. Also surviving are Betty’s three sisters: Myrtle McCurdy of Polson, Chris VanRonk of Philipsburg, and Patricia Brickzin of Superior.

Per Betty’s wishes, her ashes will be scattered up the West Fork. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.