Betty Jean Brakke

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(Jan. 26, 1925 - Nov. 20, 2010)Betty Jean (Martin) Brakke died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010 at Powell Valley Healthcare. She was 85.

Betty was born Jan. 26, 1925 to Lester and Ruby (Fuller) Martin. She started school in the last class allowed to start school in the middle of the year at McKinley School, one week before she turned 6 years old. She attended schools in Billings and graduated from Billings Senior High in the middle of the year in 1943. After graduation she worked at the Woolworth Store until she married Everett Brakke on Sept. 13, 1943. They went to Arizona where Betty was an airplane mechanic during World War II.

The couple returned to Montana and resided in Billings until 1953 when they moved to Powell. Betty worked at the Anthony Store and True Value Hardware, as well as at Powell High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Gary Brakke, in 1984; brothers Lester “Bud” Martin, and Edward “Dean” Martin; and sister Bessie Britton.

She is survived by her husband Everett of Powell; sons Ray (Kathleen) Brakke of Denver, Colo.; Daniel (Darlis) Brakke of Kansas City, Mo.; Steven (Jolene) Brakke of Powell; daughter Cheryl (William) Watson of Billings; grandchildren Michael Brakke and Christine Zach of Denver, Colo.; Erik and Ryan Brakke of Kansas City, Mo.; and Chelsea and Kevin Brakke of Powell; and her sister Paulette Imhoff of Billings.

Cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net.

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