Prudence Maxine Holley Botkin, 88, died Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, at her home in Havre from cancer.
Her memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church with Rowlie Hutton officiating. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the church immediately after the services at the graveside. Prudence was born Nov. 15, 1918, in Alliance, Neb., to Raymond and Christiana (Allen) Holley. Prudy grew up and was educated in Kearney, Neb. Following her education she took a position as a telephone operator, a job she enjoyed and held for many years. When her children were younger, she had a small daycare so that she could be at home with them. She was a well-known and liked clerk in Glasgow for many years. She married Peter A. Wolfe and of this union a daughter, Prudence Anne, was born. On Aug. 19, 1948 she married Willis A. Botkin and a daughter, Penney Kaye and son, Ronald Scott were added to her family. Prudy was a devoted and wonderful mother to her children and a warm and welcome friend to those who knew her. Her friends were always life long. She loved her children and her grandchildren and continued to share her love and gentleness with her great grandchildren until the time of her death. Prudy loved her many pets over the years and passed this love on to her children. She was an avid reader until her eyesight made it difficult for her to read. She also enjoyed watching TV and continued to watch her programs despite her failing hearing. She was extremely proud of and fiercely protective of her independence and remained in control of her life until her death. She rarely asked or would accept help from her family. Prudy was an active member of the Congregational churches in Sidney and Glasgow. She taught Sunday school and volunteered in whatever way she was needed. In later years, she was a member of the Fifth Avenue Christian Church. She was a member of the Richland Chapter #62 Eastern Star for over 50 years. For many years, she was an active volunteer for the Senior Citizens center of Havre. Her love of children and books was evident as she volunteered at Devlin School in the library as long as she physically was able. She also volunteered at Kitty Keepers, in later years doing clerical work from her home. She took her commitments very seriously and was well known for always being as good as her word. Despite many hardships and physical pain, Prudy always maintained a smile, a positive attitude and did not complain. She bore the adversities of life in her quiet, gentle manner for which she will be remembered. She was an extremely kind person, seldom using a harsh word toward others. She was a true lady in every sense of the word and will be missed deeply by her friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; her sister, Izetta Holley Chancey; daughter in-law, Pam Botkin; and niece, Deanna. She is survived by her daughters, Prudy (Rick) Barnes of Boise, Idaho and Penney (Jerry) Bergren of Havre; her son, Ron Botkin of Knoxville, Tenn.; sister, Donna Campbell of Council Bluff, Iowa; and a brother, John Holley of Kearney, Neb.; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial contributions in Prudy’s honor may be made to Kitty Keepers, 600 23rd Ave. W., Havre, MT 59501 or to a memorial of one’s choice. Arrangements are made by Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.
