Betty Louise Hinton Novich, 83

Betty Louise Hinton Novich was an amazing lady for whom family always came first. She was a beloved member of both the Twin Bridges and Cardwell communities.

Betty, the daughter of Clovis and Zona Hinton, was raised on the family ranch in Cardwell, Montana with her best friend and sister Wanda.

She graduated from Whitehall High School and attended Western Montana College in Dillon where she met Duke Novich while going to school. They were married in 1960, and she joined him on the family ranch near Twin Bridges, raising three sons: Sam, Jay, and Luke.

She supported her boys through 4-H, rodeo, and multiple sports events. She was also a 4-H leader for many years and loved playing softball and league bowling. She loved fantasy football and was involved in a local group for many years. She was competitive in anything she was involved in and always wished that she could have played girls' basketball while she was growing up.

After her parents passed, she moved back to Cardwell to run her family ranch with her sister. Ranching and animals were her true passions, and she was happiest working outside. She was blessed to continue her dream until her passing. On that day she had been told that her cows and calves were being checked in the forest and that the cows and calves looked great! She perked right up and was in the conversation immediately!

She is survived by her sons Sam (Andrea), Jay (Shadeen), and Luke (Kristin); and also by grandchildren Saige, Riley (Sami), Dara, Newt (Ashley); and great-grandchildren Zaylen and Brooklynn Sims. Her sister Wanda (Russell) Munson, sister-in-law Cora Novich, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

She will be missed by many cherished friends and extended family members.

Thank you to the amazing staff at the Beehive Assisted Living Center in Dillon for caring for her as if she were family.

No services will be held as per her wishes. Please make donations to your local 4-H in honor of her memory.

Rest in peace Mom; we love you. You lived "The Dance."