Betty Joyce (Swank) Mason

Our beautiful mother, Betty Joyce (Swank) Mason, took her flight peacefully into Eternity at the age of 88 on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Billings, Montana. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and faithful child of God. She left us with so many wonderful memories of her unselfish dedication to her family and friends.

Mom was born in Hardin, Montana, to Walt and Elizabeth Swank, and had 12 siblings. In her younger life, she lived with her family in many locations such as Hardin, Billings, Pryor and Garryowen, at a place by the Little Horn River, that the Swank clan affectionately dubbed “Seldom Seen” … she had many fond memories there.

Betty wore many different hats in her life to support her family. In her younger adult years, she worked at the Hilltop Tavern and Lobby Lounge; she was also a member of the Laborers Union for many years (flagging etc.).

When our mom was at the age of 42, our 15-year-old sister Carolyn was in a car accident that left her unable to care for herself, and our mom selflessly took on the responsibility of becoming her caretaker, which she faithfully continued to do till the end. We would be remiss to not mention also it was at this point in her life she also gave her life to her Savior Jesus Christ and dedicated the rest of her life to Him. Even after she began caring for Carolyn, she started a restaurant she called the “Pepper Pot” with her sister Annie in Hardin, and had a home “adult care” in Billings for several years. Even on her limited income, she gave unselfishly to her children/grandchildren and others in need, and to the work of the Lord.

She is survived by her children, Jeff (Tammy) Kraft of Billings, Carolyn Kirkaldie of Billings, David (Rebekah) Kraft of Scott, Arkansas, and Denise (Tony) Rios of Hardin; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Donnie Swank, Ruthie Beckman and Shirley Musch; and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Elizabeth Swank; siblings, Glenn Swank, Norma King, Margaret Eldridge, Bobby Swank, Annie Frost, Tyke McGarry, Donnabelle Gilreath, Floyd Swank, Connie Tweeden; and children, Doug, Darrell, Craig and Judith.

We can say of our mother, as Apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

We love you, Mom, and will miss you immensely, but thank you for being the best mother we could have asked for, and for always being there for us. Until we meet again, we will do our best to fill your shoes.

Visitation will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Billings, followed by a graveside service at 2 p.m., at Mountview Cemetery, 1704 Central Ave., Billings.