Elizabeth "Betty" Joyce Dyer Bitz passed away on September 9, 2024, at the Big Sandy Medical Center of natural causes. She joyfully celebrated her 87th birthday on September 4, with family and friends by her side.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, September 13, at 2 PM at the Big Sandy Community Church of God. Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be interred with Ron's at the Big Sandy Cemetery. Ashes will also be scattered at the farm as per her wishes.
Betty was born on September 4, 1937, to Albert and Dorothy (Thompson)Dyer. The youngest of eight children, and a twin to Robert, Betty was raised in Big Sandy. Due to illness, Betty was motherless at four years of age. She was raised by her dad, siblings, and the community of Big Sandy.
She attended Big Sandy schools and graduated in 1957. During her high school years, she was part of the twirling team and played drums in the band. Her work ethic led her to have several jobs, but a highlight was waiting tables at Carsows where she loved making milkshakes and malts. She was also a pin setter for the bowling alley there. In addition, Betty worked at Nora's Café and was a lifeguard at the pool.
She married her high school sweetheart, Ron, on September 22, 1957. They started their family right away and lived in the communities of Havre, Big Sandy, Chester, Rudyard, Chinook, and then the farm west of Box Elder. Ron was part of the banking business for 18 years and Betty took pride entertaining often in their home and keeping her house spotless. She could often be seen with a broom in her hand ... notorious for her sweeping. She served the community as a Sunday school teacher and a Girl Scout leader. She truly had a servant's heart. She set the bar high in the kitchen with her cinnamon rolls, pear jam, choke cherry syrup, minute fudge frosting, buttermilk donuts, dirty worm cookies, and many other sweets. She certainly had a sweet tooth and passed that on.
An avid sports fan and board game player, she enjoyed cheering on the Pioneers, the Vikings, and the MSU Bobcats. Football was certainly her favorite, watching at any opportunity. Board games with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids often found on her table such as Aggravation, Yahtzee, and cards.
The legacy, however, she left her family was her love for her Savior. She chased after Jesus and shared that with her kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and anyone she had contact with.
Betty is survived by her children; Sharla (Jones) Tester, Larry (Ann) Bitz, Sherri (David) Heppner, and Karen (Shawn) Murray; six grandsons; two granddaughters; eighteen great-grandchildren, with the nineteenth on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings.
Donations can be made to the Big Sandy Medical Center (the best place ever if you asked her), the Big Sandy Branch Library, or the charity of one's choice.
Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Betty's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.
