Betty Vapp

"I'm proud to be a coal miner's Daughter." A young girl waited with excited anticipation for her Dad to arrive at their favorite meeting spot after his shift at the mine. He always saved a treat for her from his lunchbox. They would join hands and walk home together. The young girl was Betty Ussin born on April 17, 1928 in Roundup. Their lives centered around the whistle at the mine. When the whistle blew in the morning there was work. It was their sustenance. During many of her school years she would arrive with her dog, Skeeter, who would lay under her desk during class. She showed potential for artwork but it was a path she didn't pursue. She was very athletic and was accomplished with a baton as a majorette. She enjoyed swimming, skating, league bowling and dancing at Riverside. The jitterbug, waltz, and polka were her favorites. After high school the young girl turned woman married Robert (Brother) Anderson. From this union she became a proud mother of three children Bob, Paula and Terry. The family moved to Billings to pursue a new career for her husband. The majority of her working years she was a secretary for Bill Roscoe at Roscoe Steel. Family, church, friends, and animals were the centerpieces of her life. She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and enjoyed the company and support of her clergy friends. The family home was a gathering spot for the neighborhood kids, adults, and their animals. Sam was the family dog that she had a special bond with. She was always supportive and willing to help her children navigate the many bumps life can present. She enjoyed singing and was a member of the Sweet Adelines barbershop singing group. She was an excellent cook; lasagna and spaghetti were family favorites and banana cream pies, chocolate chip cookies and rum cakes were requested frequently. She was blessed with grandchildren, Julie Walden, Jennifer Sanchez, Harley Anderson, Sonny Heimbichner, Casey Anderson and Stephanie Rodriguez and 14 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her three children, Bob Anderson of Shawmut, MT., Doug and Paula Rausch of Billings, MT and Terry Anderson and Lori of Tempe AZ; and special niece, Judy (Bob) Clausing of Camas, Utah. Her brother, Jim, and sister, Rosina had previously joined hands with the Lord. Betty was the last remaining sibling. A special thanks to Autumn Springs Assisted Living, Canyon Creek Memory Care, St. Vincent Healthcare and the heart-felt support of the doctors, nurses, clergy and workers on the third floor during her final days. Betty left the bonds of earth on Friday September 23rd where her eternal journey with the Lord began. Her heart and soul will remain in all of us forever. We Love You. Vigil service will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 27th with funeral service at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 28th, both services will be at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Mountview Cemetery with a reception to follow. Memorials may be made to the St. Thomas Church Building Fund, 2055 Woody Dr., Billings, MT 59102.