Betty Jo Stinson

On October 7, 2016, Betty Jo Stinson passed away of natural causes in Missoula. She was 90 years old.

Betty Jo was born April 20, 1926, in Malta, Mont. She was the youngest of five children. She was raised in Malta and graduated from Malta High School in 1944. She went on to Fullerton Junior College in California and then returned to Montana when she finished school. She settled in Missoula in the summer of 1958. She was a bookkeeper all of her life and had long employments with M&S Ready Mix, Associated Asphalt, and retired at the age of 80 from Ron's Auto Refinishers.

The matriarch of her family and the last of her generation, Betty Jo was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved to dance, and would jitterbug at any opportunity. She enjoyed her Grizzlies and cheering at football and basketball games in person or on TV. She was always up for a road trip across town or across the country. Betty Jo has always been proud of her family and she was everyone's biggest encourager, supporter, and fan. She also nurtured many lives by helping to raise numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and friends.

Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Eunice and Walter Ward, her sisters, Corinne Brown, Ruth Fitzgerald, Infant Kathryn, her brother Bill, and the love of her life Lloyd Stinson. She is survived by her daughters, Judy Jensen Driscoll (Larry) of Missoula, Denise Jo Sandefur of Missoula, and Tanya Sandefur Buttke of Marysville, Wash., five grandchildren, Jessica Driscoll. Jennifer Driscoll Hager (Jon), DJ Mitchell, Stephanie Mitchell, Morgan Buttke, and six great grandchildren. She was also survived by cousins, nieces, and nephews. She had a genuine laugh that was a natural by-product of a great sense of humor and fun. She had a no "B.S." sensibility.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 1 p.m. on November 12, 2016 in Missoula at Christian Life Center.

If you feel inspired to honor her life, a donation to Hospice may be made in her name. Sunset Memorial Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Condolences for Betty's family may be left at http://www.sunsetfuneralhomecemetery.com.