Betty Jean Pengelly

Hamilton – Betty Jean Pengelly, age 84, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020, peacefully at her home. Betty was born on October 1, 1936, to Sam and Agnes (Montanari) Vitali, in Fresno, California. Her family moved from Fresno to San Francisco when Betty was a teenager, in 1954.

Betty married Fred Lossman and to this union they added three children. In 1979, they moved to Nevada City, California. That marriage ended in divorce after 32 years. Betty then married the love of her life, Virgil Pengelly, and they enjoyed 20 years of wedded bliss in Montana.

Betty worked many years as a dental assistant. She and Virgil owned and operated a small business, sharpening knives and scissors, in the Bitterroot Valley. Betty’s interests included horseback riding her 2 horses in Nevada City, CA; always helping wherever needed at the Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene, in Victor, and enjoyed volunteering at Camp Utmost for children. She was an active member of the Ravalli County Search & Rescue team. Not forgetting to mention she was a cancer survivor and participated many times in “relay for Life.” Betty loved to read the Bible, was an excellent cook, was known for her delicious pies, and with the gift of hospitality, enjoyed entertaining family and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband, Virgil Pengelly; parents Sam and Agnes Vitali; brother, Ned Vitali; sister in law, Marilyn Vitali; niece, Lisa Kilmartin; brother in law, Ted Lossman and, numerous other relatives and friends.

She is survived by her sister, Irene (Ron) Draper, of Walnut Creek, CA; sons, Fritz (Kathy) Lossman, of Stevensville, MT, Mark Lossman, of Nevada City, CA; daughter, Doralee (Marshall) White of Sebastopol, CA; 4 grandchildren: Shauna, Casey, Carmen, and Justin; 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in the Fresno/Madera area.

Services will be held in 2021. The family requests any memorials be made to the Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene. Condolences can be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jean Pengelly, please visit our floral store.