Memorial Folder

Elizabeth (Betsy, Bets, Betty Anne) was born on February 18, 1935, Sidney, MT, to Joseph and Christine (Hauck) Steinbeisser. She was an incredible flutist throughout her high school years and graduated from Sidney High School in 1953. After graduation she attended the Presentation of Nursing School in Miles City. On June 2, 1954, she married her high school sweetheart, Ralph "Whitey" Steffan. As a young wife, she was a fun-loving, energetic, hard working woman who managed to raise seven children as well as work on the farm. Between laundry, baking, cooking, cleaning, and childrearing, she found time to raise chickens for eggs and butchering; to drive truck for beet harvest and corn cutting; to sell cream; to raise a huge garden for canning; and to tend gorgeous flower beds that were an eye-catcher to all passersby.
Betty Anne was an avid animal lover. She loved to feed her birds and squirrels. She doted on her shihtzu's: Charlie, Ernie, and Eddie. Her 12 grandchildren were her pride and joy and she felt privileged to be able to share in their successes as they grew into young adults.
Betty Anne died Monday, October 12, 2009 in her home, surrounded by her family.
She is survived by: her children, Linette (Greg) Miller, Sidney, MT, Natalie (Torben) Erikstrup, Sidney, MT, Mark (Cheryl) Steffan, Sidney, MT, Mike (Nancy) Steffan, Sidney, MT, Teresa Larson, Sidney, MT, Marcia (Val Kiffer) Steffan, San Diego, CA, and Peggy (Ron) Finnicum, Post Falls, ID. Her legacy also leaves 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Whitey; her parents; a brother, Joe A. Steinbeisser; a sister, Donna Hanson, her son-in-law, Randy Larson, and infant daughter Deborah.