Betty Jean Lee

Mom went peacefully to heaven surrounded by her loving family, Tuesday, January 12, 1916. Betty was born in Bozeman, MT to Thomas N. Tillman and Maude Ruth (Dwight) Tillman on June 17, 1932.



Mom was the 11th child born into a family of 13 children. Betty attended Bozeman Public School, graduating in 1950. Betty married Joe Madison Lee on June 16, 1951 at the Bozeman First Baptist Church.



Mom and Dad together began the Lee Angus Ranch, raising registered Angus Cattle and later register Suffolk Sheep. The couple had three children; Sherilyn Jo, Dwight Carter and Judy Lynette, who learned the value of hard work and appreciation of the land and family.



Mom enjoyed flowers, sewing, knitting, crocheting, art and canning Joe’s abundant garden produce. Mom’s greatest joys were the many family picnic gatherings at the ranch often surround by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Betty belonged to a monthly lunch group with included her high school friends, a joy she looked forward to.



Betty was a member of the Four Corners Baptist Church, a charter Member of the Montana Angus Auxiliary, Suffolk Sheep Association and the Belgrade Eastern Star. Mom loved long Sunday drives with Dad, there was never a road traveled twice.



Mom is survived by her husband of 64 years, Joe of Belgrade; daughters Sheri (Jeff) Romer of Texas, Judy (Larry) Neiminen of Belgrade; daughter-in-law Mary Lee Belgrade; grandchildren Jodi (Dennis) Allen, Sky (Jessica) Patton, Jeffrey Lee, Emilee Neiminen, Jennifer (Ian) Dunstan, Samantha (Brent) Watson, Tiffany Romer and Adam Neiminen; great grandchildren Madison, Matthew, Bethany JoeLyn, Carter and Cooper; sisters Clara Brownell and Shirley Petersen; and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Dwight; son-in-law Ken Dyksta; bothers Frank, Raymond, George and Bud; sisters, Louise, Helen, Ruth, Bertha, Margaret and Phyllis.





Memorials may be made to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, 1732 South 72nd Street West, Billings, Montana 59106 or Eagle Mount, 6901 Goldenstein Ln, Bozeman, MT 59715.



Condolences and Memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.