Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Hanson, 74, a retired administrative assistant with the FHA, passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2007, at the Marias Medical Center due to cancer. Memorial services will be 2:00 pm, Monday, November 12^th, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church with inurnment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery . Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include her mother, Emma Johnston of Shelby; daughters, Linda Hanson of Missoula and Debra (Larry) Yarn of Shelby; sons, Larry (Theresa) Hanson of Tacoma, WA and Darrel (Lisa) Hanson of Shelby; grandchildren, Colleen, Kelly (Brian), Tim, Rebecca, Cody, Curtis, Tara (Jacob), Kayla, Jayce, RaeAnn and Rylan; great-grandchildren, Shane, Nathanial, Stephanie and Curtis; brothers, Neal Johnston and Daniel Johnston both of Galata, and Robert Johnston of Florence, CO. and her beloved dog Sugar. 

She is preceded in death by her father, John (Jack) Johnston, and her husband, Curtis Hanson.

Betty was born October 8, 1933 at Erskine , MN to John & Emma (Moreau) Johnston where she grew up and graduated from high school. She married Curtis Hanson on June 9, 1951 at Brooks , MN . They moved to Shelby in 1955.  Betty worked as a waitress and for State Farm Insurance for a time. She then went to work as an administrative assistant with the FHA along with being the owner of the Shoo-Inn Shoe Store. Betty retired in 1994.

Betty was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church , Shelby Bowling League, Marias Valley Golf Country Club Round Robin Card Club. She enjoyed crocheting, dancing, sewing, traveling, camping, going to the theater and symphony, and spending time with her family. Betty was a very outgoing and loving person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family suggests memorials to the Gift of Life or St. Luke’s Church.