On the morning of April 20, 2016, about the time her daughter’s alarm goes off, Claudia’s soul danced its way into heaven leaving a bit of her sparkle behind. During her stay in Billings Clinic Hospital, as a result of complications from sepsis, she was able to celebrate her 68th birthday with her daughter and grandchildren by her side.
Claudia Dawn Meidinger was born in Bismarck, North Dakota on April 17, 1948, the third child of Johnny and Betty Diede Meidinger, of Burnstad, North Dakota. The Meidinger family then moved to Terry, Montana in 1949.
She attended Terry schools all twelve years. During her junior year she survived a car accident that left her hospitalized for several months. Because of this, Claudia finished her junior and senior year together, allowing her to graduate with her class in 1966. A devoted Terrier fan, she was a cheerleader all through junior high and high school.
After graduating from high school, Claudia briefly attended Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT. She married James Rath, also of Terry, on December 11, 1966 and they made their home on the family ranch southeast of Terry. Claudia and Jim had two daughters, Nadine Rene and Stacie Jo.
Claudia’s married life was spent raising the girls and helping Jim and her in-laws on the ranch. She loved gardening, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and active in Cowbelles and Homemakers Club. She also served as Chairman of the School Board. Claudia and Jim remained active with their many friendships, some dating back to childhood.
Always a devoted wife, Claudia cared for Jim during his decade long illness. A few years after Jim passed away, she sold the ranch and bought her home in Miles City. This move allowed Claudia to meet new friends and bring her closer to her grandchildren.
Claudia’s cheerleading career didn’t end in high school. One of her greatest joys was watching and supporting her very active grandchildren in their many sporting events. We know she will continue cheering from the best seat in the house. “Heaven has a new sparkle” …
Claudia was preceded in death by her husband Jim and her father Johnny. She is survived by her daughters Nadine Rath and children, Michaela and Dylan Johnson of Billings, MT; Stacie Rath of San Clemente, CA; mother Betty Hanneld of Sun City, AZ; her brother Tim (Pam) Meidinger of Klamath Falls, OR; her sister Susan (Lyle) Johnsen of Watford City, ND; her nieces and nephews, Kim, Jon, Jason and Haley as well as many extended family members. She is also survived by her many, many friends.
As Claudia wished, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life for our “life of the party” will be held at 4:00pm on June 5th at the Miles City Country Club. Condolences can be sent to stevensonandsons.com.
A special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City and Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings, and to her many supportive friends who reached out with caring words, thoughts and prayers.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
4:00 p.m.
Sunday June 5, 2016
Miles City Town and Country Club
S. 4th St & Eagle Ave.
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
4:00 p.m.
Sunday June 5, 2016
Miles City Town and Country Club
S. 4th St & Eagle Ave.
Miles City, MT
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Jamie Hess says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. We are thinking of you from a far
BONNIE CURRAN says
I am so sorry for your loss, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. It was nice getting to know Claudia again, after she moved to Miles City.
Denise Hahnkamp says
I remember your mom from our visits to Terry as little kids. Always so vibrant, a big smile, and always welcoming. I am so sorry Nadine and family.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles & Jim Liles says
We shared many good times with Jim and Claudia and send our sincere condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you all.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
We were so shocked to learn of Claudia’s death. We both enjoyed our visits with her. She was such a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ed, Alroy, Tasha and Devin Solle says
Rather girls, we are sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. May God’s peace be with you.
Ann Rittal says
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. It has been a long time since I have visited with her but have fond memories when we lived in Terry and Stacey and Lori spent a lot of time out on the ranch with you girls.
Elmer and Avis Spidel says
Nadine ,we are so sorry to hear about your mom, and pray that God will comfort you and your family in this time.
Jerry and Barb Smalis says
So sorry for the loss of Claudia. She will be remembered by all as a warm and lovely lady.
RIP!
Gerome and Rita Wemmer says
So very sorry for the loss of a wonderful lady. We knew Claudia for a very short time, and will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to all her family.
May God comfort you in your time of loss.
Y. McBeath says
My sincere condolences on your loss. May you draw comfort from the words found at Revelation 21:4. Soon death will be no more.
Carolyn Calhoun says
Condolences to the family: Losing a loved one in death is so painful. May you draw relief from God’s promises in his word. (John 5:25,28,)
Christine W. Keltner says
I am still in shock about her passing, I had no idea of her health issues. I would like to think she and Chris are remembering fun times they had.
Christine
John Nowlin/Terry Osborn says
Betty, Tim, Pam and Family ~
Terry & I are sorry for the loss of Claudia! You are all in our thoughts and prayers! We love you!
Love,
John & Terry~
Linda French says
My sincere condolences to Claudia’s family and friends. It’s always hard to lose a loved one. May God comfort you all during the days ahead with love and support through family & friends.
Greg and Cindy Ban and Doris Frost says
So sorry for your loss. We will continue to pray for God to give you strength during this difficult time. You girls lost both of your parents way to soon. RIP Claudia. Some day we will all be together again. Praise God!
Linda Trask Koehler says
RIP dear Claudia; I know your reunion with Jim was wonderful. I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved family member. Words convey so little when hearts feel so much…
Wyatt Glade says
Claudia was a wonderful woman and a joy to be around. May she rest in peace.
Lynne Keltner Bigwood says
Thanks for the story of Claudia’s life. She was such a delightful person. My sympathy to her family and blessings on you all. Love, Lynne
Ken and Vicki Hess says
We are so sorry to hear that Claudia passed away and send our sympathy to all of Claudia’s family. She will be missed by many.
Doug Benge says
Sorry to read of Claudia’s passing. I always enjoyed her visits to the office. She was smart, savvy, cheerful, bubbly. All great qualities. She will be missed.
Jim and Ann Willson says
Sorry to hear about Claudia, she was such a joy to be around. we send our sympathy to her family, and also to her close friend Charlie.
lg says
prayers sad to hear of both passing