Betty Ann Johnson Bayes, 92, of Havre, Montana passed away on August 13, 2023 at Northern Montana Hospital after a brief illness.

Betty was born December 18, 1930, to Dewey and Isabel (Oliver) Johnson in Great Falls, Montana. She was raised in the farming community of Castner Falls with three brothers and a sister. They were a close-knit family who worked hard and loved to play practical jokes, especially her brothers and Uncle Bob. After graduating from Cascade High School in 1948, she went to work for the Great Falls Deaconess Hospital where she met Fred Norman Bayes. They were married in 1949 and proceeded to have three wonderful children. Fred and Betty moved their family to Havre, Montana where they became active members of the community. She loved children, and after hers were grown, you could see Betty with a gaggle of kids at Pepin Park, Dairy Queen, the Havre library or Devlin school playground with the kids she cared for. In 1999, after 20 years of working for Eagles Manor, Betty moved to Hayden, Idaho, with Fred. Sadly, Fred passed away in 2004 and Betty moved back to Havre.

Betty loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, and motorcycle adventures with Fred; and she always had pets. She was a fabulous seamstress/quilter and shared her passion with her daughters. When the three were together, it always involved a visit or multiple visits to the fabric/quilt shops. The best cookies came from her kitchen. She was kind and never complained.

She was preceded in death by her son Ronald "Ron". They shared the love of nature and spent many hours exploring the badlands.

Betty is survived by her brother Orville Johnson, Helena, Montana; two daughters, Nancy (John) Rosenbaum, Havre, Montana, and Belinda Sue (Bob) Kancir, Bridgewater Corners, Vermont; four grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.

At her request cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest with other members of her family at the Castner Falls Cemetery at a later date. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.