Claira Margaret Fahrenbruck Holmes Bromley
Claira Margaret Bromley, aged 75, passed away at her home in Florence, Montana on July 12, 2016, with her loved ones around her. She died of natural causes.
Claira was born in Forsyth, Montana on September 19, 1940 to Henry and Sophia Fahrenbruck. She spent her younger years in the Hammond Valley with her many brothers and sisters. She loved living in the valley and would tell stories about the beautiful flowers her mother grew, and the advantages of having many siblings; they had enough kids to form their own baseball team anytime they wanted!
Claira attended school in Forsyth, MT until 1955 when her family moved to the Cartersville area near Rosebud MT. She then attended and graduated from Rosebud High School. She was well liked in both Forsyth and Rosebud, and for the rest of her life was invited to attend class reunions from both schools.
While living in Rosebud, Claira met Ernest Holmes. They dated, he proposed, and they were married in a winter ceremony on December 27, 1959. They took up ranching in the Thurlow area, and along with numerous cats, dogs, chickens and bum calves they raised 3 children: Debbie, Mark, and Sheri. She was an exceptional cook and it was not uncommon for visitors to show up right before “supper time” knowing they could count on good manners for a place at the table and good food once they were seated. Of course, morning coffee was just about as popular, as she always had fresh, baked from scratch pastries and pies to serve up with the coffee. If word got out that she had baked cinnamon rolls, there would barely be standing room in the kitchen, as she was especially known for her “melt in your mouth dough and buttery caramel topping”. Ernest and Claira had moved from the farm and built their dream home in Forsyth overlooking the Yellowstone River. She enjoyed and excelled at creating beautiful homes and this one was no exception. It was her pride and joy, finally proving to the family she had not ripped pages from decorating magazines for 15 years for nothing!
Later, when all the kids were safely in school, Claira accepted a job a Bogg’s Chevrolet as a bookkeeper. She worked there several years, before accepting a job with Range Telephone, a job she loved. She worked there for several years.
Claira married her high school friend, Ron Bromley on July 2, 1983. They had 32 happy years together, moving to the beautiful Bitterroot Valley and building (another) truly beautiful home. Claira was overjoyed to be near her grandchildren as they grew, and going to their various school and sports events was an activity she enjoyed immensely. Family was always very important to Claira, and she, along with her brother David, hosted several family reunions. The count at the last one was over 300 people, and she kept in touch with almost every one on them, in one way or another!
If Claira herself could write this small history, this is what she would say:
“To my beloved family and friends,
Words cannot convey the joy you provided me when you shared your life with mine. I will never be able to tell you all how much you meant to me, and I hope that you carry me with you, in your hearts, with love. Take care of each other, forgive each other, and love each other….because that is all that matters.”
Claira is survived by her children: daughters Debbie Rice and Sheri (Rod) Stroppel, Jacki (Justin) Smith, Brenda (Matt) Marden, and son Mark (Patti) Holmes; grandchildren include Anthony and Brent Stroppel, Sean and Jackson Rice, RJ Woelich, Niki Harstad, Chauncie Rowan, and Talia Buck as well as her siblings Esther (Maurice) Coldiron, Carl (Jean) Fahrenbruck, and David (Cathy) Fahrenbruck.
Claira was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Bromley, parents, Henry and Sophia, brothers Henry and George Fahrenbruck, sisters Lydia Kuil, Freida Rangel, Henerietta Rangel, and Rose Cranford.
Services will be held at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana, with assistance from Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, Montana. The service will be held on July 22, 2016 at 1:00 pm, with internment and reception to follow.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Friday July 22, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 West Wind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Diana Mickell Hale says
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Harriet Sleaford Jansen & Veryl says
We have lost a wonderful person. May the wonderful memories help you through this sad time. Love and Prayers to All.
Barb Denman says
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet mom. Sheri, our prayers are with you in this difficult time. May you remember the good times and the wonderful memories. Love you all, Kevin and Barb Denman
Cindy Lebie says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a very special and kind lady. I always enjoyed visiting with her.
Your in my prayers,
Cindy Batey Lebie
Pam and Joe Ash says
Joe and I are thinking of you all with prayers.
Bob & Marlys Lee says
Bob & I always enjoyed visiting with Claira when she was in Forsyth. What a wonderful lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary and kay wagner says
Our prayers and thoughts are with
you love you. Gary AND KAY
Karen Wilson says
I met Claira at a sporting event while visiting my best friend sometime in the past 10 years. I’m from Arizona and didn’t get much time with her or eat her famous cinnamon rolls. The time I did spend with her was very heart felt, warm, and loving. She always remembered my name and greeted me with that precious smile. Her smile was infectious and her love of people tremendous! I truly enjoyed sitting next to her chatting about anything. I just knew that she was a very special angel God had lent us.
Todd and Tracy Heberle says
Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Hallie Gillespie says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Claira was such a kind, beautiful lady and will be greatly missed.
Kristi Dayle says
Debbie, Mark, Sheri, Jaci and Brenda,
Claira was such an amazing women. When ever I talked to her she always made me feel loved. Ron and Claira were a great comfort to Chelly, Denise and I when Mom passed away. They always reached out thru the years to make sure we were doing ok. My heart goes out to the whole family, she will be missed. God Bless
Debi Rapstad says
I am so saddened to hear that Claira has left this world – she was such a bright light! My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family.
Andy-(Butch ) Schulenberg. says
Clara was one of my favorite people. I will miss seeing Her Beautiful face , smile and personality. She could light up a persons heart with a hug and a smile. I will truly miss Her and Ron. Thoughts and prayers to the Family.
Carroll and Lanell Kaup says
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family. Clara had a smile that would brighten everyone’s day. She will be truly missed.
Mac an Bonnie says
She was such a beautiful person, will miss our visits.
Sharon Wetsch says
Oh how we all will miss Clara’s beautiful smile and hugs. She was a very classy lady and we will all miss her.. Sending thoughts, prayers and warm hugs your way..
Brenda Biery Potts says
So sorry for your loss love and blessings to all of Clairas family
Cherie & Glenn Davis, Bonita Springs, FL says
Loving thoughts will always prevail when we think of you, Claira. You will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know you and we are praying for you and your family. Can only imagine their pain in having to carry on without you. May their comfort be in knowing that your spirit , and the Lord’s, will always be there watching over them.
Dave Gunderson says
To Mark and all of Claira’s family, we are so sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson