Betty Shearer

Betty Jean Shearer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, at the age of 96. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, May 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Glendive, MT, with Pastor Avis Anderson officiating. Born November 3, 1928 in Fruita, Colorado to Morgan Stuart and Rose Pritchard Goss. Betty was raised on the family homestead in the Fruita area of Eastern Colorado. She was a tomboy at heart, preferring outdoor adventures to being indoors. She spent her childhood riding horses, caring for animals, and helping her family with farming duties. She attended Fruita schools before moving to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1945, where she graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1946. She then went on to earn her degree in Home Economics, Education, and Physical Education from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, in 1950. She began her teaching career in Savage, Montana, and later taught in Richey, Montana where she formed lifelong friendships. On August 2, 1953 Betty married the love of her life, Donald “Jack” Shearer of Glendive and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and service. They were blessed with four children: Norma, David, Barbara, and Richard. She was proud of her family and cherished every moment with them as well as with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty dedicated much of her life to education and literacy. She worked in the Glendive school system for 27 years, serving in the Dawson County High School library for 16 years before becoming the librarian at Lincoln Elementary School. There she taught until her retirement in 1994. Her passion for learning carried on in her family, with several of her children and grandchildren working in education and the library sector. Betty was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Glendive United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, 96th Infantry Division Auxiliary, American Association of University Women, Montana Library Association, Women of the Moose, and the VFW Auxiliary. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her community service extended to Camp Fire Girls, Rainbow for Girls, RSVP, and the Hospital Auxiliary. Betty also had a deep love for history and genealogy, spending years documenting family ancestry with her sister Zeta. She was key in organizing various family reunions, ensuring that generations remained connected. Throughout life’s challenges, Betty never lost her sense of humor. Whether through a clever remark or a lighthearted joke, she had a way of making people smile. She will be remembered for her quick wit, kindness, and ability to make everyone around her feel welcomed and valued. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents; her brothers William, Richard, and Douglas: her sister Zeta; Sons-in-law, Jim Oriet and Frank Papenfuss; and granddaughter, Amy Loos. She is survived by her children: Norma Shearer, David Shearer (Mic Dawson), Barbara Oriet, and Richard Shearer (Mary). She leaves behind her grandchildren: (Norma) Kelly Nissen (Levi); (David) Ava Shearer and Brigid Shearer; (Barbara) Erin Hutchings (Anthony), and Jase Oriet (Lindsey); (Richard) Zach Shearer (Meetha); Kyle Shearer (Róisín); and Jacob Shearer. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Dylan and Alonna Kolobakken, Penelope Nissen (Norma); Mackenna and Sophie Hutchings (Barbara); Arnold Shearer, and Darragh and Callan Gideon Shearer (Richard). Betty is also survived by her sister-in-law, Esther Shearer, Glendive, and many beloved nieces and nephews, and extended family. In lieu of ﬂowers, donations can be made in Betty’s memory to Friends of the Glendive Public Library or the charity of your choice: 200 South Kendrick Avenue, Glendive, MT 59330. Her family is comforted knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband and cherished family members. Her bright smile, warm laughter, and enduring love will forever remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. Remembrances and condolences can be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Betty Shearer

November 3, 1928 - February 13, 2025

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Betty Shearer

November 3, 1928 - February 13, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support