Clare Doran, age 89, of Miles City passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at her home in Miles City surrounded by her family.
Clare was born in Miles City Montana, to Harriet and Ernie Wyttenhove. She was raised on her parents small farm in the Valley outside of Miles City. She attended grade school at Kircher, and graduated from Custer County District High School. Following her graduation, she attended MCC and got a teaching certificate. Her grandmother was the county superintendent and let mom know there was a need for a teacher at a country school near Miles City called Hartwick. That fall found mom teaching there where the community members were very hospitable and kind to her. It was at a country dance out there that she met Jack and the rest is history. They were married August 23rd, 1952.
Jack and Clare loved each other deeply and expressed their love for each other through many pecks and embraces over their 66 years of marriage. Clare was a dedicated wife and mother, raising their seven children as a stay-at-home mom on the family ranch, located in the northwest corner of Custer County. Breakfast and lunches on branding day were the talk of the neighborhood. A big hit was her caramel rolls. She loved to please family members by making their favorite desserts. Not only was she a great cook, but she was a good seamstress too. Sometimes making matching Easter dresses for her girls. She taught both her boys and girls how to cook and sew! Clare was an avid reader, especially loving mysteries.
Clare was involved in many clubs; The Daughters of the American Revolution, Southeastern Montana CowBells, as well as a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Parish, where she served in different roles. She was an election judge and with 7 children involved in 4-H she found herself also involved. Clare compiled a book about the residents on the north side of Custer County called “Memories from Montana’s Crow Rock Country.”
A few years ago she and Jack moved to a small home that Jack had built, in the same yard as the house she grew up in. Both her and Jack passed away in that home. Clare’s love and dedication to her family was reciprocated, over the years when numerous family members visited and cared for her. Clare was a committed prayer warrior, praying for her family and others daily, which will be among the many things about her that we will greatly miss!
She was preceded in death by her parents Harriet and Ernie Wyttenhove, her two sisters, Ferne Beck and Margie Schroeder, her beloved husband John (Jack) Doran, her grand-daughter Jenny Martin, and great grand-daughter Hayley Martin. Also her mother and father in law, John and Frances Doran.
She is survived by her seven children; Dan (Jean) Doran, Jerry (Linda) Doran, Cheryl (Steve) Harris, Suzanne (Bruce) Brown, Kathryn (Greg) Pagans, Joseph (Andrea) Doran and William (Dawn) Doran. She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
The family wants to especially thank Trish Holmes, who lovingly cared for mom over the past several years right up until she went into the arms of Jesus. We also thank the Hospice gals, Melissa, Holly, Kassidy, Kelly and Nicki who were so helpful in mom’s last months. Thanks also to Haley Roberts who loved mom well at the end.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, July 31, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A Rosary and Vigil service will follow at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Any memorials can be given to a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday July 31, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sunday July 31, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday August 1, 2022
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday July 31, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sunday July 31, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday August 1, 2022
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Doran family so sorry to hear about Clare. Jack and Clare always had time to stop and visit. Clare is one of the last Long time Angela and Crow Rock, MT. area Ranchers. I always enjoyed the book she made of the Crow Rock community. That is what has inspired me to write the Area Histories that I have done. Someone has to keep this history alive. Rest In Peace Dear friend Clare.
Jim and Annalise Willson
JR and Carol says
So many wonderful memories of Aunt Clare and our time on their ranch. You were all so lucky to have such a genuinely caring and giving mother and grandmother. I love the thought of Jack, Grandma, and my mom and dad welcoming her and celebrating being united! Love to all of you!
Kim Smarsh says
Clare was the secretary for Council of Catholic Women while I was president. I grew to love her so much. She had the kindest heart. My sincere sympathy and condolences to the family.
GARY AND PAT HELM says
SO SORRY TO H9EAR ABOUT CLAIRE GOD BE WITH YOU CAT THIS TIME OUR PRAYERSA RE WITH YOUR AMILY,
Jim and Lavina Hall says
Sorry to hear of Clare’s passing. Lavina and Clare were in the same DAR chapter in Miles City for years. She was a real LADY and well liked by all. May the Lord be with her and keep her.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Mary Ann Stoltz says
Sympathy for whole family for loss of
clare!
God bless you all!
Bea Sturtz says
Dan, Jean and all the Doran family, we are sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your folks and your family growing up. My parents, Johnny and Betty Sturtz, thought a lot of their friendship with your folks. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Michael and Bea Sturtz
David & Danette Olguin says
We are so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Bernadette Miller says
I have many fond memories of Clare through activities at Sacred Heart Church, Council of Catholic Women, seeing her at my job. She always had a smile on her face and always something good to say. Her and Jack loved each other so much, you could see it wherever they were at. May the many years of memories comfort you in this time of loss. I’m sure Jack and her are smiling down on you.
Mary Bloom says
Dawn, Will and family, so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Peggy Bennett Salitros says
A gracious lady who I was honored to know from the Powder River Chapter, NSDAR. My condolences to her family- may you know peace.
Chris D Christopherson says
First of all prayers for the family! Clare and Jack raised great kids. I always enjoyed branding on Memorial Day Weekends at the ranch. You all are in my prayers!
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was a very nice lady.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Doran Family – my sincerest sympathies go out to all of Clare’s family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.
Shirley Lund says
Sincere sympathy to Clare’s family. She lived a beautiful life & leaves a wonderful legacy of memories for her family.
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
Doran Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Enjoyed visiting with your Mom. We know you have many wonderful memories.
Kevin and Lori Donnelly says
Sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with them and the family. Always enjoyed visiting with them. They always greeted you and said hi when they met you. They will be missed around the community.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Will and Doran family. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom Clare. God Bless her in heaven. I’m so sorry to see Clare leave us.
Sandy Rabe says
Dan, Jean and family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you comfort and strength in all your memories.
God Bless
Bobbi Neiffer Hanks says
Doran Family,
Sorry for your loss. I remember all the fun times we had out at Crow Rock!! Wether we were at Grampas docking or branding or your place playing cards we had FUN!! Your mom was one of the best! Claire always had time to talk and listen. Take care. Bobbi Neiffer Hanks
Sandy Policani says
What a privilege it was to be Clare’s cousin. My mother and Clare were more like sisters than aunt and niece. While growing up, my family spent so much time at the ranch with Jack, Clare and their children. I can remember we were always welcome and always enjoyed the wonderful food Clare prepared. Jack was always willing to take us out when they went hunting. I found my first arrowhead on one of those outings. Jack and Clare will always be with me in spirit.
Jennifer Geiszler says
Kathy & family, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. Although I never knew your parents, your Mom sounded like a wonderful, sweet, kind lady. May you & your family hold on to all the precious memories you have of her, & may God grant peace & healing to your family as you mourn her death. My sympathies are with you & your whole family during this sad time.
Robbie says
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your sweet Momma. We are praying God’s comfort and strength over you and yours. Love and hugs
Jill LMyers says
Sounds like your mom had a positive impact on those around her Suzanne. I know she raised a wonderful daughter who in turn raised four great kids. May your heart be comforted by sweet memories and the promise of Heaven.