The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Elizabeth "Betty" Rose (Wangenstein) Griggs, 89, of Eagles Manor, Havre, is at peace with her Heavenly Father. She died peacefully Friday, October 2, 2015, at Northern Montana Care Center, Havre, Montana. Her daughter Betsi Knight and granddaughter Casea Barnett were by her side.

A memorial service was held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel in Havre. Bishop Cameron Acor officiated. Arrangements were made with Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook. Condolences may be left for the family at http://www.edwardsfuneralhomemt.com.

Betty was born December 30, 1925, in Yonkers, New York, the oldest daughter of William Henry and Alma Magdelena Reinen Wangenstein.

Betty married the late George William Smith Jr. on April 26, 1945, and after seeing a picture of Montana on a calendar, they moved from New York to Livingston, Montana where she raised four children. Betty married the late Frank Richard Knight while still in Livingston. Betty later married the late James "Jim" Joseph Griggs, and they moved first to Bozeman, Montana, then to Moscow Idaho, and later to Mount Vernon, Washington where they lived for several years. A few years after Jim's death, she returned to Montana, to live in Havre near her daughter.

Betty had a great zest for life, and her constant cheerfulness made everyone love her and want to be around her. Betty will be sorely missed. She loved music, and played the harp as well as the piano. Betty taught piano lessons to many students, and took a special interest in children from low-income families. She loved helping people, and enjoyed a job teaching nutrition. Betty was an accomplished Yoga and swimming instructor. She was a great gardener, and enjoyed sewing. Betty loved the outdoors, and she loved serving in her church and its temples. Betty loved her family and loved doing genealogical research on her ancestors.

Betty is survived by two sons, Eric W. (Sherry) Knight, Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania and Frank M. (Sharon) Knight, Concrete, Washington; two daughters, Nancy L. (Rick) Ardmore, Houston Texas and Betsi R. Knight (Dale Pimley), Havre Montana; two sisters, Lila (Joe) Weinberg, Tivoli New York and Barbara Wynroth, Burlington, Vermont; 12 grandchildren, Jeff and Kay Knight, Richard Ardmore, Daniel (Farah) Ardmore, Julie Ann (Lee) Tronsen, Rebecca (Ethan) Helmer, Katie Ardmore, Samantha Pollington (husband Tolan Harber), Casea (Lael) Barnett, Carson Pollington, Malikai Knight, Frank Knight Jr; 15 great grandchildren, Madison Knight, Gabriel, Aaron, Aeva and Mathew Ardmore, James, Chris, Blake, Aria, Logan, and Lily Tronsen, Caden and Carter Helmer, Hannah Jo Barnett, Zurriathan Knight; 1 great, great granddaughter, Kylee.

In addition to her parents and her husbands, she was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and William Wangenstein, an infant sister Jane Esther Wangenstein and an infant son, Robert Smith.

Betty was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Memorials may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perpetual Education Fund, 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150, or The Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Line, 500 1st Ave., Havre Montana 59501.

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