Betty Jean Sowell

Betty Jean Sowell, 93, of Great Falls, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Betty was born on July 3, 1933, in Great Falls, to Clifford and Lillian (Lavalley) Olsen. She was raised on a farm in Fort Shaw until she was 12 years old and her family moved to Billings. She graduated from Billings Senior and attended the College of Great Falls when she returned to Great Falls at the age 18. She worked for her uncle at the ballpark. She was also secretary for the Great Falls Mayor.

She met and married Clyde Sowell in Great Falls. Since he was in the Air Force, they traveled to many places in the states and abroad. After Clyde passed away, she got a job at the Great Falls Public School Administration office in the EMC department. She worked there for 20 years and enjoyed every minute of it. Betty was also a gym aid at West Junior High and cleaned the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce building as well.

Betty loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren very much. We had many cherished holidays at her house over the years. She was a very good cook. She also loved animals and had many pets.

She played Bridge and loved to travel with her Bridge group in the U.S. and abroad. She enjoyed crocheting and made many afghans and slippers for her family and friends through the years. She also worked the crisis hotline.

Betty is survived by her children, Vickie Jo Sowell (Steve Skaar) of Emeryville, CA, Sheree Filipowicz of Great Falls, Kazz Sowell of Emeryville, CA, and John (Lynda) Sowell of Great Falls; grandchildren, Stephanie Filipowicz, Alex (Jessica) Filipowicz, Amy (Mike) Hoyer, Stephanie (Dusty) Abeyta, Chris (Amanda) Sowell, Mike (Shar) Sowell, and Emily (Ira) Nieman; and great-grandchildren, Kimber, Laynie, and Alex Filipowicz, Hazel Hoyer, Piper Nelson, Sawyer, Flynn, and John Sowell, Paul, Daniel, and Matthew Laverdure, Ellie and Ira Nieman, Abby Sowell, and Eli Rhoa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister; brother; brother-in-law; and son-in-law.

Betty was very kind, caring, and interested in other people’s lives. Always available to listen or just be there providing whatever was needed.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank both Courtesy Home Care and Stillwater Hospice for the loving, kind, and compassionate care. She enjoyed seeing all the staff and sharing stories with them.