Obituary; Betty Irene DeLong

Betty Irene DeLong, 87, of Polson, passed away on March 6, 2015, surrounded by her family at St. Joseph’s Medical Center due to a stroke.  Betty was born April 10, 1927 in Keystone, Idaho to Victor and Eleanor (Barker) Benson.  She joined one sister and one brother.  

In her early childhood the family moved to Hot Springs, Montana, where she attended local schools and graduated from Hot Springs High School.  Betty married Roy M. (Pat) DeLong on July 6, 1946, in Kalispell.  They were married for 68 wonderful years.  Initially, they resided in Somers where their first son, Clinton was born.  In 1950 Pat and Betty’s dream became reality when they purchased their ranch in Hot Springs.  Here the family grew with the addition of a second son, Kelly, and a daughter, Darla. Ranch life suited the family well.  Betty especially loved caring for the lambs and calves, animals were one of her biggest passions.  Spending time in the vegetable garden and apple orchard as well as tending to her flowers were a few of her favorite pastimes.

Betty took great pride in their family and her home.  She was an incredible cook and was happiest when her family was around the table.  Along with working the ranch, Betty helped manage Camp Aqua Bathhouse for 20 years.  She was also part of numerous community clubs and enjoyed being involved with her children’s school.

Family was the center of their world. Betty adored her five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  After fifty treasured years on the ranch, Pat and Betty retired and moved to Polson in 2000.   Betty was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She had the ability to bring love and warmth to everyone she knew, and she will be deeply missed.  Betty was truly one of the sweetest most genuine people on earth.  

Her parents and siblings all preceded her in death.

Betty is survived by her husband, Pat, son, Clinton and wife Karen of Kalispell, son, Kelly and wife Lori of Columbia Falls, and daughter Darla and husband Tom Allen of Kalispell, 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.  

A private service will be held at the family home in Polson. There will be an urn burial at a later date at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory. Arrangements are under the direction of Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.