Betty Witzel
Margaret (Betty) Elizabeth (Hertel) Witzel, 88, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Oct. 8, 2022.She was born on April 16, 1934, to Wilmer and Margaret (Bricker) Hertel in Lewistown, and raised in Moore. Betty grew up on a ranch that allowed her to experience life as a “tomboy,” carrying snakes in her pocket and engaging with livestock. Betty lost her mother as a teenager, which encouraged her loving, caring and mentoring relationships throughout her life. Betty graduated from Moore High School in 1951. She moved to Billings to attend Rocky Mountain College, as they created an educational course in Home Economics specifically for her. Betty graduated from RMC in 1955.
Betty met and married John “Jack” Witzel on June 2, 1957. They had four children and moved to the Huntley Project area in approximately 1967. Betty and Jack separated in 1982, later divorcing but remained very good friends until his death in 2021.
Betty’s first job was teaching in the Lockwood School District for two years. Betty taught for the Huntley Project School District for 23 years before her retirement in 1988. She was hired by Westpark Village as a front desk receptionist shortly thereafter. Betty was promoted to activities director and remained at Westpark for 23 years before retiring from that facility in 2012. She returned to Westpark Village in 2013 to live and always believed she “moved home.” Betty gave 25 years of teaching, caring and loving children before spending 23 years loving on the elderly.
Betty actively exercised and constantly walked throughout the last 35 years. She enjoyed painting, coloring, knitting, Wii bowling and playing Bingo. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing and play piano. Most of all, Betty loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She traveled to Alaska, Minnesota, New Mexico, Washington, Arizona and England to maintain her relationships. She treasured her opportunities to travel with her dad and stepmom. Her favorite family activities, however, were the gatherings around the holidays in the homes of her children.
Betty’s foundation was built on her faith, which was fostered through Al-Anon and Faith Chapel for many years, volunteering in both settings. She loved people and demonstrated that throughout her life. In general, Betty loved the little things, like visiting her family in Moore, going to her father’s homestead, and playing games with her children. She was a gentle woman who loved deeply.
Betty is survived by her children, Rita (Steve) Huck of Ballantine, Tami (Jack) Schagunn, Randy (Deanna) Witzel of Billings and Cindi (Ron) Fuller of Spokane Valley, Washington. She has nine grandchildren, Lyndsi Huck, Kira Huck (Thomas Harding), Kelsi Schagunn (Sean Sinclair), Gavin (Sally) Schagunn, Colter (Morgan) Witzel, Morgan Witzel, Cayden Witzel, Shelbi Fuller and Hannah Fuller. Betty was blessed with five great-grandchildren, Zachery Cooler, Dillon Cooler, Alyssa Cooler, Kinley Witzel, and Kaia Witzel. She is survived by her foster daughter, Cindy (George) Sherman and their family. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Wilmer and Margaret Hertel; stepmother, Thelma Hertel; sister, Jean (Hertel) Strong; brother, John Hertel; and many extended relatives.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Faith Chapel at 517 Shiloh Road, Building C (use the Broadwater Avenue entrance). A light luncheon will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Betty’s name to Faith Chapel or charity of choice.
Condolences may be made at www.michelottisawyers.com.
