Cora “Kay” (Nordahl) Clark passed away early Sunday morning March 19, 2017 at the Aspen Meadows Rehab Center in Billings, MT while being attended by staff and Great Granddaughter Charlie Saylor. Kay was 86 years old.
Kay was born at home on the lower Musselshell on Calf Creek, in Garfield County, Montana on August 22, 1930. Kay was the 4th child of Knute Martin and Essie “Pearl” (Gibson) Nordahl. Kays early years growing up on the lower Musselshell, proved to make her the very strong & loving individual she was throughout her life. Kay was a true farm & ranch girl, doing all jobs associated with it. She was very fond of her beloved river home with all her animals especially her cats, dogs, and horses. Kays’ dad gave her the nickname “Skinny”. Many hours were spent rehearsing and practicing playing the piano with her siblings, to then go to community dances around the area. Kay went to the lower grades in the nearby one room Ross School, and some grades in Winnett, Mt. Kay then attended Garfield County High School. Playing girls basketball was one of Kays favorite sports as well as playing the piano, accordion, singing and dancing. Kay was also active in 4-H during her teen years. While going to high school, Kay worked for Al Hockinson at the Title and Abstract Office until after her graduation in 1949.
On August 12th, 1949, Kay was united in marriage to Ralph Clark in Miles City, Montana. Ralph & Kay lived on the family ranch at Brusett. Besides raising a family, Kay helped Ralph pack mail for 6 years in the Brusett area thru 1955. They farmed, raised sheep and cattle. Kay would raise several bum lambs, one year she totaled 60 at shipping time. They also went on the road shearing sheep from Wyoming, Montana & into Canada. For a while Kay was the “Wool Stomper, & Cook for the crew. In the 1960’s they started a Hunting & Guiding Service for out of state hunters. This was the beginning of the making of many close and wonderful friends and family.
In 1968-69 the family moved to Jordan briefly, while Ralph drove truck, and Kay worked for Ryan’s Grocery Store. During all this time, Kay was an accomplished seamstress, cook, gardener, & homemaker. Some of Kay’s favorite pastimes were quilting, crocheting, knitting, & writing letters to her many friends and family. Kay also enjoyed watching the birds that come to the many feeders that Ralph set up for her. Kay will always be remembered for her good sense of humor, and kind nature. Kay later moved to Laurel in 1996, then to Musselshell in 1999.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, brother Fred Nordahl, brothers’ in-law Richard Lambert, Kern Marks, Roy Miller; Great-nephew Jacob Miller, Great-Grandson Trent Schreiber, Great-grand daughter Cora Beth Meckel, daughter Judy Clark. Kay is survived by her husband, Ralph Clark of Musselshell, MT, son Edwin (Janet) Clark of Billings, MT, daughters Kathy (Kenny) South of Jordan MT, Denise (Alvin) Rich of Nye, MT, sisters Evelyn Marks of Quartzite, Ariz., Clara Miller of Hamilton, MT, and Rose Marie Neuman of Muchea, West Australia, 9 grandchildren, 22 Great-grandchildren, 3 Great-Great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews and so many other wonderful family and friends.
Kays family would like to extend a special thanks to Kays many caregivers, Jennette Landers was truly her guardian angel and spent many hours with Kay, as well as Kays Grandchildren, Dawn, Donna and Kristy; Great-Grandchildren, Charlie and Sami, and very dear friend Mary Carroll. Roundup Memorial Hospital & Aspen Meadows Rehab Center & Staff were crucial in Kays recovery of knee surgery and pneumonia.
Services to be held Wednesday April 5th, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winnett, MT. Following the funeral service a luncheon will be held at the Courthouse Basement. Interment to be held at a later date, at the Nordahl Family Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials can be sent to Hawk Creek Fire Dept. in Musselshell, MT, or the Roundup Ambulance Service in Roundup, Montana.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 5, 2017
First Baptist Church
Winnett, Montana 59087
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 5, 2017
First Baptist Church
Winnett, Montana 59087
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Daniel & Audrey Guesanburu says
Ralph and Family, so sorry to hear od Kay’s passing. I remember her as a kind, gentle lady, that could sew anything. Hugs and prayers for all of you.
Pat and Bot Corbin says
To Kay’s family, So sorry to hear about Kay’s passing. Keep her in your thoughts and memories, it will help ease to pain you are going through. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Catherine Byron says
Ralph and family –
It was sad news to read of Kay’s passing. Bob and I nave talked of coming to pay a visit one of these times.
Too much stuff going on, it seems, causing us to miss out on the most important things as the interruptions steal our time. Lots of memories of good times in our Brusett neighborhood all those years ago. One of a patio party Kay hosted on your new concrete slab. Great fun. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. Treasure the memories for that is where the healing lies. Trust that she is waiting on the other side as our Maker promises.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Ralph, Edwin, Kathy, Denise and Families,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your precious Kay, she was such a wonderful person. I remember being around her in younger years, loved her homade bread and she was always so nice to us all.. I only saw her a few times after I grew up but she always had that big smile and we’d catch up on our lives, she will be missed by many.. Prayers and Hugs to you all..
Donald John and Alice Cameron says
So very sorry to hear this news. We are thinking of you all and remembering Kay with a lot of very fond memories.
Robert and Carol McNutt says
Our deepest sympathy to all the Clark family, so sorry for your loss.
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
Denise, so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayer for all of you.
Bert & Gary
Sally Fitch Ness says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers
Joe and Bev Murnion says
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Kay’s Family. Kay will be remembered for her Sweet Smile and Friendly Ways. May you all find Comfort in all of your Memories and Gods Love ..
Sandi and Jim Updyke says
Ralph and Clark family; The family of Bud and Nadine Holter would like to extend our sincere condolences on your recent loss of such a beautiful lady. We remember her hospitality and what a amazing cook she was. We all have many wonderful memories of her and her kind gentle nature. May God bless you during this difficult time.
Jo Ryan says
My sincere condolences to the Clark family. Kay was such a hard worker and
a family person. Thinking of you all.
5
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
What a beautiful picture of a precious lady! Ralph and your entire family, know we love you and are thinking of you at this time. It is so hard to say goodbye. We so thank you for welcoming us into your family fold, we treasure our special friendship!
Tom and Claudia Stanton says
Sincere Sympathy to Ralph and Families. May God be with You All during this time of loss. We hope the many good memories of the past will help you cope with the lonely days ahead.
Hazel Stabler says
So sorry to hear of Kay’s passing.
Dan and Ruth Ferris says
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories bring you comfort.
Julie Loomis says
Kay was a very special lady. She was a very good friend to my Mom. My deepest sympathies to all of her family.
Brett Mosby says
Sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathies.
Ginger and Arnie says
Ralph, Edwin , Kathy, Denise and the rest of Kay’s loved one. We are sending our deepest sympathy to you all. Kay was such a loving lady, she was so kind and thoughtful. Loved her like a mom. She was so loving and thoughtful to my mom, she would write her a letter every week, mom looked forward to Kays letters , mom loved her like a sister. So thankful my brother Ken married their daughter Kathy, she is like a sister to me I love her so much. so glad they all become a part of our family. Sending our love and prayers to you all. Cherish all the memories and pictures, this will help you get through the days ahead. Prayers, love and hugs for you all
Rich and Silvia Metzger says
Ralph and family: Rich and I send our deepest sympathies to each of you. May God help you all through this time of sorrow. Sending our Love and friendship.
Donovan Currey says
May God send his blessings during this time of mourning, and I send my prayers.
Nancy Bohlman says
God bless Ralph, Edwin and Kay’s family. Kay will be missed by many.