Elizabeth L. “Betty” Madzo, 91, Dickinson, took her final journey home on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 surrounded by the loving embrace of friends and loved ones. There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Ladbury Funeral Service with a Time of Sharing Stories at 2 p.m.
Elizabeth “Betty” Lucille Hoff was born into this world March 9, 1928 in Everett, Wash. She was the eldest daughter of Lewis and Evelyn (Bernier) Hoff. Betty was raised in Everett attending St Alphonsis Catholic girl’s school for 12 years.
Shortly after finishing her schooling, Betty was joined in marriage to Leroy Call. To this union three children were born, Cathleen, Matt, and Cindy. In 1973 Leroy’s journey took him east, while Betty’s took her north.
Betty landed in Medora where she met the tall handsome cowboy of her dreams, Charles Madzo. The two began courting. After being snowbound at the ranch for 10 days during a March of ’74 snowstorm, they rounded up the Justice of the Peace and made it official. They became Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Madzo on April 1, 1974. They figured after spending ten days snowed in without cigarettes on a ranch 12 miles south of Medora, and didn’t kill each other, they knew it was meant to be.
Betty became a ranch wife and quickly adapted to the lifestyle. From raising and canning produce from her vegetable garden to working cattle, she loved every aspect of ranch life. In addition to her busy ranch life, Betty owned and operated the “Cowboy Café’ in Medora. It was during this time a friendly competition ensued between Betty and her cook, Betty’s famous Liver and Onions vs Betty Cornell’s caramel rolls. They each had their loyal followers.
After many years of ranching, Betty and Chuck made the tough decision to retire from the ranch life. They leased out the ranch and moved into Dickinson. Together they soon discovered a new passion for Bingo, Casino trips and time to travel to visit family around the country. Chuck passed away Dec 9, 1994.
After Chucks death, Betty busied herself volunteering at St. Benedicts nursing home where she would bake and donate her homemade pies. She often persuaded her daughter Cindy and son-in-law Randy into volunteering with her, delivering slices of pie and coffee to the residents. Betty also volunteered her time at the local House of Manna.
Due to health reasons Betty became a resident at Edgewood Hawks Point in 2008. She resided here for ten years before moving into Country House.
She enjoyed many outings to Cindy and Randy’s home for visits and holidays. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She truly enjoyed having herself surrounded by family. And she always was sure to have many treats in her ‘treat drawer’ when her great-grandchildren came to visit.
During her years of assisted living, Betty formed many close bonds with staff members. She will always be remembered as the quick witted, humorous prankster. Always keeping everyone on their toes. You never knew what would come out of her mouth next.
She will be deeply missed and remembered by friends and family. She leaves behind her children, Cathleen (Tom Field) Bernier, Matt (Laurel) Call, Cindy (Randy) Cerkoney; grandchildren, Christopher Metcalf, Ashley (Aaron) Boswell, Lisa Call, Nathan Call; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Kolbi, Easton, Charli and Emmit and granddog, Georgie.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck; her mother and father; and sister, MaryAnn Butler.
A heartfelt Thank You to our Edgewood Hawks Point and Country House families for the years of love and excellent care given to our beloved ‘Betty Boop’. She truly did love all of you and considered you part of her family.
This is not Goodbye, but: See You later Alligator…
