In the evening hours of April 17, 2017, Clara Berry, 96, passed away peacefully at the McCone Health Center in Circle, Montana.
Clara was born March 23, 1921 in a tar paper shack on the family homestead in southern McCone County to Jacob Bieber and Justina Widmer Bieber. Attending to her birth was a mid-wife, Clara Patterson, whom she was named after. She was a blue baby and they did not expect her to live. Since her dad wanted another boy he nicknamed her “Pete” which stuck with her the rest of her life. Many memorable years were spent growing up with her brother Edwin and sisters Esther, Laura & Helen. She attended Skull Creek School and Brockway High School, graduating in 1939. After graduation, she went to work at the White House in Circle.
On September 1, 1946 she married Harley C. Berry at the E.U.B. Church in Circle. She continued working at the White House and Harley worked for Harold Wangen the first few years of their marriage. In 1947, they bought Pete Rorvik’s farm and moved to the country. On December 28, 1949, their first child Kathleen was born. She was joined a year and a half later by a sister, Sharon. Eight years later came a BIG surprise – daughter #3 was born – Lana. In the 1960’s they expanded their farm operation and bought land east of Brockway.
Mom was a very busy farm wife, raising chickens, gardening and canning a huge amount of produce, beef and chicken; just like any farm wife back in the day. Every Saturday she made many loaves of homemade bread and caramel rolls. She made the best lemon meringue pie ever and many others must have thought so too as many times there were extra chairs pulled up to the table. In the early 80’s Mom and Dad built a new house in Circle and semi-retired. They spent many years traveling to places such as New England, Washington D.C., Branson, and spent several winters in Arizona.
Mom was active in Eastern Star, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and Brockway Homemakers Club. She was very instrumental in compiling the “Tried & True Favorite Recipes” cookbook and “As It Was Yesterday” a history of the Brockway community. Mom was always busy. Her motto was “Busy hands are happy hands.” Many a day was spent embroidering dish towels and pillowcases, making macrame’ lawn chairs, quilting and other crafts.
Mom entered the McCone Nursing Home in May 2015. She was especially grateful for Patti Wittkopp and the nursing staff there who were so kind to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Edwin (Elsie) Bieber and sisters Esther (Morris) Svela, Laura (Robert) Rath and Helen (Robert) Olson. Her husband Harley also preceded her in death in 2008.
Survivors include daughters: Kathleen Pedersen of Wolf Point, MT., Sharon (Richard) Kurtz of Circle, MT, Lana (David) Hovland of Yakima, WA. Grandchildren : Jeri (Robert) Toavs, Rob (Jodi) Pedersen, Tami Sleeth, Jody (Thad) Kohl, Kristi Favard & Kim Rodman. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: David Toavs, Jarett & Jaxson Pedersen, Cody Sleeth, Cameron Sleeth, Cory Sleeth, Amanda Kohl & Trevor Kohl, Jasmym Favard and Tristan Favard. And two great-great grandchildren, twins, R.J. (Robert) & Emi (Emilia) Toavs. and special friend whom Mom thought of as her “fourth daughter” Sharon Jensen.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Circle is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Mary Jo (Nerud) Lawrence says
Kathy, Sherry, Lana and families: So very sorry to see your Mother’s passing. In the last two weeks, I enjoyed the pictures you had posted – she looked so good. You are each in my thoughts and prayers. God Be With Each of You.
Cheryl Lehman says
So very sorry for your loss. May you always be blessed with great memories. You are in my prayers.
Roxy Kasten Musser says
Kathy, Sherry, Lana and family ,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your beautiful mother. I am sending you many prayers.God Bless you all.
Lauriena Yarger says
So sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose someone who is so special to you. Cherish your memories! You are in my prayers!
Cindy Stanton says
Lana, Kristi, Kim, Sherry, Kathy & families,
You have my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your mom/grandma. She was a wonderful woman and a marvelous part of our family as well as yours. I know she’s gloriously reunited with Harley. May God give you peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
My love to you all.
Pauline Gackle says
Sherry, Kathy, Lana so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patti dundas says
Lana and family,
Thinking of you during this time my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your memories with your family will be cherished
Forever. I so enjoyed your mom and dad and loved spending time with you growing up. God bless you
Patti dundas
Harvey & Trudy Kirkegard says
Kathy, Sherry and Lana,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your precious mother. Your fond memories will carry you through this difficult time. Our sincere condolences to each of you and your families!
Joan Logan Pawlowski says
Clara was such a wonderful lady & fantastic cook!! Our condolences.
Sheri Martin says
So sorry to hear you lost your mom. I am really glad you had so many years with her making lots of wonderful memories.
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Lana, Sherry, & Kathy, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I will always remember her special smile and laugh. Loved spending time at your house on the farm. Our prayers are with all of you. The family of Dale & Ruth Bond
Diane (Shamley) Ligon says
Kathy, Sherry, and Lana, and all your families,
So sorry to read about your Mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Suzie Havens says
I never got to meet your mom, Lana, but I know she was a great mom by the way you light up when you talk about your time on the farm with your mom and dad. It’s great to have such good memories, but it’s hard to lose such a special person. Always remember, you mom and dad both live on through your great memories. I love you and hope the pain grows less and the beautiful memories are all that is left.
Laura Dreyer Bleazard says
Kathy, Sherry and Lana,
I haven’t seen your mother in years, but I always think of her with a smile. She was always so gracious. It is hard to lose your mother, but I know that wonderful memories you have will keep her close in heart. God bless you all at this difficult time.
Jere Skullivan says
Clara was always a very nice lady. She was very good to me the summer of 48 when I worked on their farm.
Fed me good and always had a good clean bed for me. RIP
Jere and Alexina Sullivan Spokane
Donna Moline Ostby says
So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Clara having grown up in the Brockway Community. I love my very fragile copy of “Tried and True Favorite Recipes!” I get it out several times a year and make something special, always with warm thoughts of the person who contributed that particular recipe. My sympathy to you Kathy, Sherry, and Lana and all your families. Clara was a grand lady!
Karen and Dennis Wolff says
It is always difficult to lose a parent, even at age 96. We have good memories of Clara and Harley. We wish you peace and comfort.
Don Svela says
Kathy, Sheri & Lana..we are sorry to hear of Clara’s passing. She was one of our favorite Aunts. We as well as our kids have fond memories of time spent with her and Harley. Cousin Susie Lemke said Clara and Harley used to visit Thora and Charlie during their trips to Washington. We loved the long letters Clara sent from Circle. Best wishes to all of you. Don & Mary Svela