Betty Jean (Naumann) Tieken

Stevensville - Into a strong Texas/German family, Betty Jean (Naumann) Tieken, was born to Elsie (Hagn) and Eugene Naumann, on September 6, 1931 in Seguin, Texas. The Naumanns, as well as Elsie’s mother Louisa Hagn, lived in an historic home on Krezdorn Street. Betty’s brother, Stanley John Naumann, was born in 1934. They were dedicated grocers, nursery owners, and business people in Seguin. Betty Jean attended elementary and secondary schools in Seguin. While in high school she played clarinet in the band, made lasting friendships and graduated from Seguin High School in 1950. She was a confirmed Lutheran and a member of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church. In August, 1950 Betty Jean married Edward “Leland” Tieken. They had four children, Suzanne in 1951, Dianne in 1952, Timothy in 1956, and David in 1958. In 1955, the young family moved to northern California where Leland accepted a research veterinarian position with the State of California Poultry Pathology Laboratory in Petaluma, California. The importance of family, parenting and homemaking were a main calling in Betty’s life. She had learned to play the piano at a young age and always found pleasure in playing. She enlisted piano lessons for each of their children. Gardening was a passion that Betty engaged in very successfully in the perfect climate of Petaluma. Her camellias, fuchsias, hollyhocks and fruit trees were always gorgeous. A lifelong accomplished seamstress, she enjoyed making clothing and was adept at tailoring and repairs. Betty and Leland shared with their children a love of camping, waterskiing, downhill skiing, cross-country road travel and the importance of staying connected with extended family. In retirement years, Betty and Leland chose Victor, Montana to have a beautiful home built on creekside acreage. They enjoyed caring for a bountiful garden. During this time, Betty enjoyed taking pictures of the big Montana sky, clouds, sunsets and sunrises. She also became prolific at watercolor landscapes and animal portraits with a folkart style. She had a penchant for jewelry. Early retirement years, she and Leland would be “snowbirds” between Victor and Central Texas. They enjoyed many years of fun visiting with family and friends. In 2014, they settled into the Living Centre in Stevensville, Montana, enjoying the excellent care and activities in the assistive living setting. In recent months, health issues increased for Betty but she was always able to enjoy frequent visits and love from the numerous family members in the area and those that traveled to visit. Betty Jean (Naumann) Tieken died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91 on May 13, 2023. Betty Jean is survived by husband, Edward Leland Tieken, Stevensville, MT; brother, Stanley Naumann (Marilyn) Seguin, TX; sisters-in-law: Hulda Kercheville, Houston, TX, and Naomi Vandolah, Waco, TX; daughters: Suzanne Williams (Rourke), Fairbanks, AK, and Dianne Madsen (Rodney), Stevensville, MT; and sons: Tim Tieken (Susan), Menifee, CA, and David Tieken (Nancy), Petaluma, CA. Nine grandchildren: Aaron, Andrea (Carl), Adam, Saul (Amy), Bentley, Sara, Tiffany (Blake), Ashley (Andrew) and Brittany (Andrew); and, thirteen great-grandchildren: Martina, Thaddeus, Nathan, Gracen, Raya, Brandon, Storm, Riley, Kiann, Kennedy, Dylan, Levi and Caio were very much loved by their “Grammy”. Many nieces and nephews share in this loss. No services will be held but condolences may be sent to: Leland Tieken, c/o Living Centre, 57 Main Street, #201, Stevensville, MT 59870.

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