Jacqueline Joanne Welty, born on September 2, 1929, in Blaine County, Montana, to Jackson and Evelyn Norberg, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025. She was the eldest of two, with a younger brother, Leonard "Joe". Jacqueline attended Northern Montana College, graduating as a medical secretary. It was there she met her future husband, Bill Welty, while he was in pre-dental college. They married in 1949 and moved to Minnesota for Bill's dental school from 1949 to 1953.

Their first daughter, Anne, was born on March 5, 1954, while they resided in Malta, Montana. In 1956, the family relocated to Fort Benton, where Jacqueline supported Bill in running his dental practice for over 30 years. In 1962, they welcomed their second daughter, Lynn, into their family through adoption. Jacqueline also served as the Fort Benton High School Secretary for many years.

In her leisure time, Jacqueline enjoyed traveling, gardening, playing bridge, and golf. She was an active member in the Catholic Church and spent many years on the altar society. During their retirement, Jackie and Bill traveled extensively, participating in elder hostels and frequenting Corpus Christi. Jacqueline's greatest joy and accomplishment were her grandchildren, whom she raised with great care and love and diligence.

Jackie was well known for her style and grace. She was an impressive woman, and that was apparent to anyone who laid eyes on her. Jackie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents; brother; husband, Bill; and daughter, Anne. Jackie is survived by her daughter Lynn (Kirby) Johnston; granddaughters, Chelsey (Josh) Kassmier, Nicole Marcellus, Serena Marcellus, and Sabrina (Ben) LaBatte; and great-grandchildren, CoraLynn Johnston, Banks Kassmier, Regina Kassmier, Tallan Feenstra, Lydia Cybulski, Lucy Cybulski, Tristan LaBatte and Payton LaBatte.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fort Benton.  Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery.  Jackie's family has suggested memorial donations be made in her memory to the Dedman Animal Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice.  Benton Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.