Betty Beatrice (Young) Cumming, age 94, died peacefully at her home in Sidney on August 1, 2024, following a brief illness. Betty was born in Lewistown, MT, on November 26, 1929 to Charles T. and Clarissa Beatrice “Bee” (Gale) Young. Affectionately known as Betty Bee in her formative years, she attended public schools in Lewistown, graduating from Fergus High in 1947. She loved the mountains surrounding Lewistown, and enthusiastically rode horses, picnicked with her parents and younger brother, Ray, and swam and ice skated at mountain lakes.

Following high school, Betty attended college in Missoula at Montana State University (now University of Montana), obtaining a Bachelor’s of Music Education (Honors) and a Mathematics Minor in 1951. She made the most of her college years by participating in Tri Delta sorority, Jubileers singing group, and the women’s honorary society, SPURS. She was busy with her musical pursuits throughout college, performing as a soloist and in groups and playing flute in the marching band. Following college, Betty auditioned for and was accepted into the Robert Shaw Chorale. However, she instead pursued a teaching career and married life in eastern Montana.

Betty began her music teaching career in Opheim, MT before taking a position with Sidney Public Schools teaching choir. She met Wayne K. Cumming, a handsome new lawyer in Sidney, and they were married in Lewistown on June 6, 1954. They made their home together in Sidney raising their five children, while also engaging in many civic organizations and church activities, first at People’s Congregational Church then at Pella Lutheran Church. Betty was active in Jaycees, PEO, and Music Club while also supporting her children as a band mother, Cub Scout leader, Campfire leader, swim team mom, and piano and flute teacher. She seemed to have limitless energy. During these busy years, she also enjoyed countless creative pursuits including her favorites, sewing, baking and gardening. She was the epitome of a “people person” and made friends easily through music, church, and parenting activities, but just as easily could visit with anyone she met at the grocery store. Betty enjoyed sharing life with her neighbors over a cup of coffee or at Christmas cookie gatherings. Betty’s big smile, enthusiasm, open mind, keen intellect, and sense of style made Sidney a brighter place.

Betty’s passion for music began at the age of five when her parents found a way to purchase a piano for the family home during the height of the depression, hoping it would help Betty heal from a severe break of her right arm. This set a lifelong love and talent in motion and through the years she performed as a vocal soloist, directed church choirs, and organized flute choirs and cantatas. She also enjoyed playing in Sidney’s city band. Betty taught private voice and flute lessons to countless students from all over eastern Montana and adjudicated at regional music festivals well into her 80s. She inspired three daughters and three granddaughters to become flutists. Music was Betty’s way to connect with others and bring joy and light into the world.

Betty cared deeply for her family and poured her love easily upon her children and grandchildren. She and Wayne supported their education and interests and inspired them to become caring, faithful, and kind adults. While she continued to write handwritten letters to her family almost weekly, she also got the hang of her cell phone in her late 80s and frequently sent sweet and supportive text messages peppered with carefully chosen emojis.

Betty demonstrated a fierce independence and strength following Wayne’s passing in 2000. She continued to serve the Lord as coordinator of Prayer Shawl ministry at Pella, care for her own home without assistance, engage in new hobbies, and make new friends. Having lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw every day as a gift and made each one count.

Betty is survived by her children Kirk of Sidney, MT, Beth (Steve) Geelan of Buffalo, MN, James of Helena, MT, Bonnie Nagode of Federal Way, WA, and Robin (Larry) Johnson of Bozeman, MT. Surviving grandchildren are Ben, Cameron, and Alison Geelan, Alex and Marissa Nagode, and Ennis, Ella, and Drew Johnson. She is also survived by one great-granddaughter, Gwen Geelan and a soon to be born great-grandson. Her brother, Ray Young, of Great Falls, MT, also survives her, as well as several nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Cumming, and her parents Charles and Bee Young.

Our mom, grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt and friend will walk with us forever. Love never ends.

If desired, memorials in Betty’s name can be made to Pella Lutheran Church, attention Music or Prayer Shawl Ministries.

Memorial Contribution