Elizabeth "Betty" Sterling

Elizabeth “Betty” Sterling, 84, of Great Falls, passed away on February 25, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. She held on to her sense of humor up until her passing. At her request, no services are planned. Cremation will take place under the direction of O’Connor Funeral Home. Betty was born February 22, 1930 in Chicago, IL to William Jr. and Laura Sterling. She was raised and educated in the area, graduating from Hyde Park High School in January of 1948. In order to be closer to her brother stationed in Great Falls, Betty, her mother, and her aunt Helen Reid moved to Great Falls. Together the three women made the trip on the Great Northern Chief passenger train. After arriving in Great Falls, Betty began work for the Motors Insurance Company. She worked there until October of 1959 when she began work at the Great Falls Tribune. She remained there until her retirement in June of 1995. She was a member and past president of the Rotana and a member of Pan American Study Club. She loved to play bingo and made many friends playing at the Eagles and Elks and enjoyed bowling for many years. Betty had an extensive musical Santa collection, was a family photographer, historian, and loved to read. She made many family members happy with gifts of her long stitch pictures in which she put many hours of love. Betty also had a passion for travel and had traveled to many places in the world. Betty is survived by her nephew, William H. (Dena) Sterling, IV of Great Falls; nieces Arden (Gary) Gregg of Coeur dAlene, ID; Barbara (Reid) Lund of Dillon; and Betty (Paul) Robinson of Great Falls; 16 great-nieces and nephews; and 26 great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Sterling Jr. and Laura Reid; brother William Sterling III; and aunt Helen Reid. Memorials are suggested to Peace Hospice of Montana or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.