Betty Ann Strozzi

On the morning of September 1, 2022, surrounded by her loving children, Betty Ann Strozzi peacefully passed away after a nearly 4-month battle with a debilitating stroke. Betty fought hard to give her children one last gift in those 4 months. That gift was the ability to spend time with her and tell her how much we loved and appreciated her before her passing.

Betty Ann, the eldest child of Bessie Held McArthur and Archie McArthur, was born at home on October 21, 1933. She was later to be joined by her younger brothers Bob and Bill McArthur. Upon her father Archie’s death in a 1937 mine cave in, Betty’s mother, Bessie, moved with Betty and her brother Bob to her grandparents, the Held’s, family ranch in Waterloo, MT. At the time of Archie’s death, Bessie was 6 months pregnant with Betty’s youngest brother Bill, who was also born at home in Waterloo. Surrounded by her grandparents, numerous aunts and uncles as well as her mother and brothers, Betty always said she had a very happy childhood in Waterloo.

Eventually her mother, Bessie, moved to nearby Whitehall with Betty Ann, Bob and Bill where Betty attended school and graduated high school in 1951. After high school Betty spoke fondly of the year she worked in Helena enjoying her life and independence.

On October 25th, 1952, Betty married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Neil Strozzi in Whitehall. Together they were blessed with six children: Terri, Gary, Kathleen, Jeff, Tim and Shawn. Betty was a devoted homemaker, wife and mother.

In 1965 Betty and Neil moved to Dillon to raise their family and grow the family businesses. For 23 years she was also a school hot lunch lady in the Dillon School system. She loved the children as well as her friendships with her co-workers.

Betty was very involved in all her children and grandchildren’s activities and often traveled long distances for various events. Betty and Neil made many good friends in their life, and she dearly loved each one of them and their families.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband Neil and family members: parents Bessie and Archie, baby daughter Kathleen, brother Bob McArthur, brother-in-law Donald Strozzi, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Angelo and Virginia Petroni. 

 Betty is survived by her loving children: Terri (Rick) Smith, Gary Strozzi (Deborah Lippett), Jeff (Mary) Strozzi, Tim Strozzi (Lori Ryan), and Shawn (K’Lee) Strozzi. Grandchildren: Shauna (Tom) Brewer, Lacey (Dallas) Rasmussen, Breanne Smith (Jared Potter), Dianna (Manuel) Garcia, Michelle (John) Aquino, David (Melissa) Strozzi, Jacob McConnell (Lisa Hankinson), Chase (Melissa) McConnell, Jordan (John) Rausch, Lindsay Strozzi (Frank Walsh), Kyle (Chloe) Strozzi, Tanner (Ember) Strozzi, Riley Hart and Kallie Strozzi. Great-Grandchildren: Jessa, Trey, Hunter, Sam, Isaiah, Georgia, Shellanne, Dominic, Stacia, Allie, Thayden, Jesse, Paxton, Emma, Anna, Lily, Jameson, Emma, Makayla, Elijah, Jeremiah, Khloe, Lennon, Steele, Knox, Siella, Kash, and Betty Ann’s namesake, Kendall Betty as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life on September 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Frontier Center in Dillon, MT. In lieu of gifts, the family wishes donations in Betty Ann’s name be made to charity of your choice.

Betty Ann will be remembered for her courage and strength in adversity, her sweet soul and her love and devotion to her family.