The service on Saturday will be a funeral service for Merry and a memorial service for Bruce.
Merry Eloise Kalfell, age 86, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021 at the Prairie Community Hospital and Nursing Home.
Merry was born in Broadus, Montana on Christmas day in 1934 to Herman and Montana “Monte” Rogge. The doctor told them not to dress her as she would probably not live. Well, they did dress her, and Herman went to the drug store and bought a heating pad to lay her on. Live she did and on April 21, 1935 she was baptized at the Broadus Congregational Church with water from the River Jordan in Palestine.
Merry had many fond memories of their family making trips to Miles City from Broadus. Although it was during the depression, they made the most of what they had.
Her mother passed away when she was just 14 years old. Merry and her sisters Marcie and Joy Ann were devastated. Merry said often that she thought her heart had broken. She struggled with the loss of her mother throughout her life.
Merry told us that her heart healed some when she met her future husband, Bruce. She guessed that in his way he thought he was flirting with her when he reached over her shoulder and took her bag of popcorn. She turned around to see who it was, and he pretended not to notice her. Later in the movie he bought her a bag of popcorn not saying anything to her.
Merry graduated from Terry High School in 1953. In June of that year, she married Bruce Kalfell. They started their family of 5 boys in July of 1954.
Merry was a loving mother and wife. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary. She was also a fantastic cook. The Kalfell boys have many memories of the food she would cook for them. Her pie crust was one of their favorites.
Merry is survived by her children Randy (Renee), daughter in-law Toni, Lance (Lisa), Brent (Becci), and Clint (fiancé` Kathy Schod). She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and her sister Joy Ann.
Merry is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 67 years, Bruce, son Kevin, great grandson Manny, and sister Marcie.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the charities of one choice would be appreciated. The family gives a very special thanks to the provides and staff at the Prairie Community Hospital and Nursing home for their compassion and excellent care.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons in Terry, Montana. Funeral/Memorial service for Merry and Bruce will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Community Presbyterian in Terry, Montana. Interment will follow at the Prairie County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday March 5, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Saturday March 6, 2021
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday March 5, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Saturday March 6, 2021
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, Montana 59349
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Carolyn Kimball says
Prayers of comfort to the Kalfell families. May the reunion of Merry and Bruce be rejoiced.
Cindy (Neiffer) Schott says
I have such fond memories of Merry when we worked at the courthouse. Although I had not seen her in many years, I still hear her laugh and enjoyed her stories. May the love that surrounds your family now provide strength in the days and weeks ahead. She was a beautiful lady inside and out.
Troy & JoDee Hess says
Prayers for you all!
Lennis Ross Rightmire says
I have some wonderful memories of the Kalfell family. Gub,Gladys,Bruce and Merry. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. May she Rest In Peace.
Michele Sanders says
Sending many prayers to the Kalfell families. Bruce and Merry were wonderful neighbors. Sorry for your loss.
Delphine Coon says
So sorry to hear. Prayers to the family
Tricia & Rick Harding says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to the Kalfell family. This sweet lady will be missed-cherish the memories!
Troy and Dolly Ferris says
Dear Kalfell family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed seeing your mom. She always had time to visit. Dolly and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Troy and Dolly Ferris
Tina Rae Beach says
So sorry to see that you have lost your Mother, there is nothing like a strong mother, for living the ranch life is the only option your mother could be! Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Knowing Clint…I am sure this is the verse that defines her. May God Bless and Keep Your Family in Peace and Laughter as you Remember the Joy She Brought to Your Lives.
Jean Trask Brown says
OH Merry, 70 years of friendship, I’ll miss you. So many wonderful memories. A good bunch of kids you raised, Prayers to you all, Randy-Lance-Brent and Clint and your families.
Ron and Betsy Gehrke says
Randy, Rene’e, and all of Merry’s family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Praying for peace in your hearts. The few times I spoke to her, I could tell her family meant everything to her. She was very proud. What a beautiful legacy that Bruce and Merry made in this world.
Becky (Chouinard) Tipton says
Kalfell Family
So Sorry for your loss!
Cherish your Memories!
Linda Trask Koehler says
To all of Merry’s family,
Words convey so little when hearts feel so much. May time and special memories help ease your sorrow and comfort you-all in the difficult days ahead. Remember – Memories are precious and when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Don Evans says
Dear Clint. All of us at the UULC send our condolences for the loss of your dear mom Merry. May God hold you hold up and comfort you during this tough time.
Don, Stan, Justin, Sam, Erika, Charlie, Catherine, JP, Rick, Brian, and Jason.
Yvonne (vonnie) Becker says
KALFELL FAMILIES,
My sincere condolences go out to each and every one of you for your losses. What a wonderful, well-written tribute to their lives. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Bernadette Miller says
I send my thoughts and prayers for Merry’s family. I always enjoyed visiting with her at my job.
Jim Lindstrom says
I have such great memories of Merry when she worked at the courthouse. She had such a great laugh! We were on a team at Terry Yippie one year where she peeled an apple with the longest peel. Such great memories! Please hold your memories and family close. She will be missed, and remembered.
Shannon Bryan Holmen says
Lance and Lisa, so sorry for your loss.
Jane Huber says
Randy, Lance, Brent, Clint and families, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Cherish the memories! Prayers for comfort. God Bless!
Ruth Peck says
Kalfell family, my sincerest condolences on the passing of Merry. Hold your memories close as they will comfort you in these difficult times. May God Bless you and comfort you.