Betty Hocking

Betty Hocking

September 26, 1934 - June 10, 2023

     Betty Carole Hocking passed away June 10, 2023, at age 88 after falling and breaking her hip on January 9, 2023. Betty was born September 26, 1934, in Nevis, Minnesota to Henry Carl and Lillie Marie (Skaro) Westby. She attended school in Bigfork, Minnesota where she graduated. Betty married Leonard "Jim" Hocking on October 5, 1957. Betty and Jim spent the majority of their lives in Lolo, Montana. After 1990, a portion of their winters were spent in Arizona where they had a great time with old and new friends.  They also made many trips to Minnesota to visit relatives.

     Betty loved her family and insisted that Christmas be spent in Lolo with them and the winters in Arizona would follow.  Her life's work was genealogy that she meticulously documented and then shared. She often posted pictures on Facebook that were liked by all. Betty enjoyed many crafts and put together beautiful scrapbooks of their travels. She metal detected for treasures and was an avid reader.   

     Betty was preceded in death by her husband Jim Hocking, June 4, 2022.  Her parents Henry Carl and Lillie Marie Westby, siblings Gaylord Westby, Harold Westby, Ruth Spurlin, and Marge Batterson.

     Betty is survived by sons Daniel (Debra) and Steven (Patti), four grandchildren: Tara Hocking, Megan (Chris) Carey, Taylor Hocking, and Joshua (Allie) Hocking. She was "Grandma the Great" to four great grandsons: Lincoln Hocking, Griffin Carey, Wellington Hocking, and Bennett Carey. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.     

     Our family would like to thank all the friends, neighbors, and caregivers for their kind and gentle support of our loved one.