Betty Jean Scott, 81

Betty Jean Scott, 81, “went to her heavenly home” on Oct. 22, 2015. She lived out her days in her own home in Libby, independent and strong as she lived her whole life.

Betty was born to William and Nell Venable in Columbus, Georgia, on Feb. 10, 1934. Betty attributed her strong relationship to the Lord as the gift given to her by her Godly parents. She taught many children the stories of the Bible over the years and was a spiritual mentor to many young people. As a young woman she would sing on the radio with talent given by God. But she refused the offer to make it a profession as her calling was to raise a Christian family. Not only was she blessed with beauty and talent and devotion to family, she helped support her family for years by building circuit boards at the Grass Valley Group in California.

Betty was blessed with a large and loving family. She met her first husband, Donald H. Bernall Sr., at the Rosehill Church of Christ in Columbus. She gave birth to her first son, Donald H. Bernall Jr., and then moved to Auburn, California, where they had their daughter Pamela L. (Bernall) Lewis. Donald Sr. fell victim to a logging accident in 1956 and Betty returned to Columbus to grieve and to the arms of her family. When she returned to California to visit her late husband’s family her big blue eyes and beautiful smile caught the attention of her future husband, Jack C. Scott Sr. They married in 1957, made their home in Nevada County and had their third child, Jack C. Scott Jr. in 1958. They made their home primarily in the Grass Valley area until 1992, when they moved to Libby.

Betty was a strong Christian mother instilling that same love and devotion to faith in her three children as well as all those who knew her. Betty faced many health challenges throughout her life, especially in her last years, with structural pain from advanced scoliosis. But regardless of her health challenges, she never lost her faith, her love for life, or her ability to bring joy and happiness to her family.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, older brother Joe Venable, and husbands Donald Bernall Sr. and Jack Scott, Sr.

She is survived by her children, Don Bernall and Jaynee, Pam Lewis and Danny, and Jack Scott and Paula; nine grandchildren, Tye, Ben, Chance, Angela, Danielle, Kami, Amber, Jessica and Jacob; 20 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Bob, John and Paul Venable; a sister, Ruth Martin; a host of nieces and nephews; and countless friends who held her dear.

While we rejoice for what she has gained in her passing, life for those who loved her will be harder, yet heaven will be so much sweeter.

Private family services are being held.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.