Elizabeth Kasten

Elizabeth Louise “Betty Lou” Kasten, 87, died April 23, 2025.

She was born a twin (sister Elaine) to Louis Aurel and Betty (Smelko) Todut in Sharon, Pa., on April 6, 1938. She grew up near the small town of Brookfield, Ohio, at Yankee Lake. She and her family spent a lot of time at that lake which was owned by her uncle’s family.

She graduated from Denver University in 1961 with a master’s degree in ecology and zoology, earning Phi Beta Kappa honors. That same year, during a celebratory trip to France, she met Dave, who was stationed with the U.S. Army in Versailles, France. They were introduced by her college roommate, Mary Meissner (LaRowe), who said, “I know a fella in Paris who can show us the sights.” From this union came a son, Tod (born in Versailles, France), and daughter, Elaine (born in Wolf Point).

She and her husband, Dave, did everything together and worked extremely hard to succeed in anything they set their mind to. In 1963, after Dave’s discharge, they moved to Brockway. They started, from scratch, a successful farm, ranch and family. She did not grow up a farm girl, but that soon changed. As a young bride, she quickly learned the ins and outs of ranch life — how to pull lambs and calves, milk cows, drive trucks and tractors, and tend to everything that comes with building a successful agricultural life on the plains of eastern Montana. She was a substitute teacher, gave swimming lessons to many youngsters and raised two children — all while working side by side with Dave on their business. She kept meticulous books and, even into her 80s, she was still helping guide calving and branding. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life. Every family member was unique and appreciated in their own special way.

She was deeply active in her community. She served on the Montana Health Systems Agency Eastern Sub-Area Council, the Mid-Rivers Telephone Board of Trustees and was honored as a Montana State University Kellogg Fellow. A dedicated public servant, she passionately represented her region in the Montana House of