Betty Jo (Phillips) Kuntz was born June 2, 1923, in Rudyard to Robert and Josephine (Saueressig) Phillips. She grew up on the family farm at Goldstone and graduated from Joplin High School in 1941.

Betty was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. With her family at her bedside, she died peacefully in her sleep Saturday, May 14, 2005. She was 81.

She met Reuben C. "Don" Kuntz in Havre. They were married Sept. 11, 1947, in Kalispell.

The Kuntzes made their home in Havre for 26 years, then Chester, until 1990, when they retired and moved to Lakeside..

Betty was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She enjoyed league bowling and many creative arts, as well as cooking, gardening, camping and fishing.

Betty looked forward to playing pinochle with her ladies card club in Lakeside.

Survivors include her husband, Don Kuntz of Lakeside; four sons, Ronald, Robert, Dennis and Dale Kuntz, one daughter, Janet Hawks; 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; two brothers; and many nephews and nieces.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, and one sister.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Chester. Burial will follow in the Chester Cemetery. Arrangements by Rockman Funeral Chapel, Chester.

A separate memorial service in honor of Betty for Lakeside friends will be 10 a.m. Friday, May 20, at the Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers.