Betty Jean (O’Rourke) Babb

Betty Jean (O'Rourke) Babb, of Billings, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. She was born in Billings on Oct. 1, 1924, the daughter of Alice Johanna (Diener) O'Rourke and David Henry O'Rourke Jr. She attended Fratt Memorial School and graduated from Billings High School.

She enlisted as a WAVE in the U.S. Navy on her 20th birthday and served at Great Lakes Naval Training Station near Chicago and in Washington, D.C. After her discharge, she worked for Midland National Bank.

She married Lloyd "Jim" Babb at St. Patrick's Rectory in Billings on June 29, 1951. While living in Missoula after marrying, she moved from the bank there to the U.S. Forest Service because "I found out they didn't have to work on Saturdays." After Jim graduated from the U of M, they returned to Billings and she went back to work for Midland National Bank. Later, she worked for the County Treasurer's and Motor Vehicles offices and the Midland Empire Fair. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling, working on puzzles, and joining her friends for coffee dates and luncheons.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Carroll; her husband, Lloyd; and her son, John. She is survived by sons Paul O'Rourke-Babb (Olivia duMosch) and Larry Babb (Leslie); grandchildren Dyami Sweet (Nathan), Quinn O'Rourke (Rachel), Kirsten Babb, Michelle Babb, Jeff (Roxanne) Watson, Matt Watson, Jonah duMosch; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.