“I am on a roller coaster that only goes up, my friend”, was the motto from her granddaughter’s tee shirt that Teena Friesz adopted and believed in wholeheartedly and unwaivering.
Teena Jo Clifford Friesz, 59, was born on June 16, 1956 in Fort Benning, Georgia to Jack and Shirley Clifford. She rode an up, down and curvy track enduring many health obstacles with courage, humor and grace. Her roller coaster ride stopped at the very top to let her off on September 15, 2015. She was surrounded by her beloved family.
Teena attended Elementary Schools in Miles City, MT, Minot and West Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN. Her family moved to Forsyth in 1972. She graduated from Forsyth High School in 1974. Teena attended Miles Community College for two years and went to work in the Library at MCC for the following 35 years. She retired from MCC in 2011. Teena was a member of the Federated Church of Forsyth, the PieceMakers Quilting Guild in Forsyth, and the Scrapbooking Club in Miles City. Teena wrapped many children with love in her favored animal hooded towels and covered all of her grandchildren in homemade quilts that will be forever treasured by them. Teena could always be found in her sewing room working on one of her many projects or helping her Dad with a computer issue. She stayed busy attending quilting and scrapbooking classes, quilt guild meetings, helping with Vacation Bible School, creating homemade greeting cards, crocheting or off on an adventure with her grandkids, daughter and son-in-law in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Her hands were never idle.
Teena leaves behind her only daughter, Brittanee (Jerrad) Mattson and her four precious, dearly loved and treasured beautiful grandchildren, Raygan, Delaney, Landen, and Hennesey Mattson of Deadwood, SD; her parents, Jack and Shirley Clifford, her sister Terri (Charlie) Brown, her brother Tom (Brenda) Clifford, all of Forsyth, and brother Todd (Deb) Clifford of Basin, Wyoming. She was Auntie Teena to Khara, Chad, Jourdan, and Aleigh Erickson of Frisco, Texas; Naysa, Kaam, Mykaila, Laynie, and Brynlee Jensen of Forsyth; Shayla Luhman, Kaitlyn and Keagan Wildman of Colstrip, MT; Gina, Rob, Dylan, Riley, Tanner, Eli, and Ainsley Sorenson of Forsyth; Shanna, Matt, Olivia, Drake, and Colton Tourtlotte of Billings, MT; Julie, Andy, Waylen and Wrigley Eames of Lewistown, MT; Dana (Jami Niemann) Clifford of Grand Forks, ND; Kaylyn and Danaka Clifford of Billings, MT; Avery and Johnna Clifford of Basin, WY. She was Nana Teena to all of her grandkids’ friends in Deadwood, SD and to three super special boys, T.K., Rocke, and Crew Rainey of Lead, SD. She is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Very, very special thanks to Dr. Lisa Bland and the outstanding nursing staff of Billings Clinic, Brady Ruff, PA and the over the top caring and compassionate nursing and CNA staff at Rosebud Health Care Center. We will forever be grateful to all of you for your part in caring for our Dear Teena.
Teena was preceded in death by her grandparents Andy and Elin Swanson, Jack and Marci Clifford, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home in Forsyth, MT. Services will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Federated Church in Forsyth. A luncheon will follow at Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home. A private family interment will be held at a later date in Forsyth and a memorial service will also be held in Lead, SD. Memorials may be made to the Friends and Family Foundation in Forsyth or to the Trinity United Methodist Church Youth Group in Lead, SD. Should friends desire, condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home of Forsyth has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday September 19, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:30 PM
Sunday September 20, 2015
Federated Church of Forsyth
1180 Cedar
Forsyth, MT 59327
Reception
2:00 PM
Sunday September 20, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday September 19, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:30 PM
Sunday September 20, 2015
Federated Church of Forsyth
1180 Cedar
Forsyth, MT 59327
Reception
2:00 PM
Sunday September 20, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
I am so sorry to hear about Teena’s passing. I really enjoyed working with her at Miles Community College back in the ’70s. She was always a breath of fresh air and had a great outlook on life. She will be greatly missed!
Karie Weamer says
Teena fought a hard battle over the years. She was a true inspiration to many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! RIP Teena, you are a true Angel!!
Judy Fleming says
I was so sorry to hear about Teen’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike B. says
Teena was such a nice person and the world will be a lesser place without her. Thoughts and prayers from Lynn and me and let us know if you need anything.
Paula & Mike Childers says
Very sad news! She kept her faith and her fighting spirit through the ordeal. She was an inspiration to us all. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
Ron and Carol Moore says
So sad to learn this news. Teena fought a hard battle. She has now been brought to perfect health in heaven. Thoughts and prayers with all of you.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
To Teena’s family,
So sorry to hear about Teena. So enjoyed many hours scrapbooking with her. She was such a talented lady and an inspiration to so many. Rest in Peace Teena, you will be missed.
Joe and Pam Ash says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Larry Torstenbo says
Teena worked along side of me at Miles Community College for Twenty eight years as an assistant librarian. But she was more than an assistant librarian as she was a professional expert during the beginning stages of information retrieval in the computer age of automated card catalogs, Word processing, Spreadsheets and Random Dial Access Retrieval systems, tele communication and Satellite programming! She took this work on with terrific passion and a steady dependable drive and as the college continued to grow around the computer age she added graphics design to her field of expertise! One of her premier accomplishments was her involvement in the very Sucessful “High Class Buckaroo Bash” a much heralded scholarship program for MCC Rodeo students! Her attention to detail and graphics made this program a monumental sucess! I know Wally Badgett and I are forever grateful, as she made us look so good! You were a true friend and a consummate professional. For that the college, your loving colleagues, our MCC students and community are forever in your debt. Rest in peace my dear friend until we meet again!
Heather Eggum says
Brittanee and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember her fondly from our Majorettes days and all of the help she gave so graciously while I was at MCC. Thinking of you and sending prayers your way.
Elaine Buck says
So very sorry to hear of Teenas passing. Will miss her smiling face at the steakhouse. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sheri, Marty, Jacoppi, Ellison Pahkamaa says
Blessed! Blessed beyond imagination to have had Teena touch our lives and to get to be a part of hers. Brittanee, Jarred and kids — we love you and are so grateful that you shared such an amazing lady with us. I will never forget her smile and her laugh as we were sitting out on the deck enjoying the sun in the hills. We have been truly blessed by this amazing lady! Hugs to you all.
Bob & Marlys Lee says
Teena was a wonderful, caring, courageous woman! It was a privilege to be considered her friend. She will be missed!
Tad & Rene Torgerson says
Brittanee & family,
We are very sorry to hear of Teena’s passing. We knew Teena first as students at MCC and then I had the wonderful privilege of working with her for nearly 10 years. Not one time did I ever hear her complain about her health struggles. She was truly an inspiration and always found a way to find humor in any situation. All three of my children were blessed to receive a hooded bath towel from her. She will missed very much! Love and prayers to your family.
Kim and Nancy Nile says
We are so sorry for the loss of such a very special person. You are all in our prayers.
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Teena’s family,
We are very sorry to learn of Teena’s passing. We pray that you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of, and praying for you at this sad time. The world has lost a wonderful person, and a caring heart. Today we all share in your sadness. May warm memories help soften your sorrow, and may faith help you face each tomorrow.
Jenny & Randy Gardner says
So sorry to hear of Teena’ s passing. She was a beautiful, strong,passionate woman that will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Joni Reno Hauber says
Brittanee and family so sorry for your loss. Sending my prayers
Garth Sleight says
Brittanee and family,
Teena was a wonderful colleague and friend. And she was an incredibly proud mother and even prouder grandmother. On her email signature line she had this statement: “Don’t tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big your God is.” That truly exemplified Teena’s tenacity as she faced her health challenges. What an example for all of us to follow! MCC wasn’t the same when she finally retired. The world isn’t the same now that she has left us. To echo Larry’s closing line, “Rest in peace, my friend, until we meet again.”
Sandy Hatcher says
I am truly saddened to hear Teena’s passing, she will be missed by so many, I remember meeting her when I was going to school and then later when I started working at MCC, we did so many scrapbooking classes together we had so much fun showing each other our grandchildren, Rest in Peace Teena, prayers to the family.
Gwen Gamrath Gunther says
I am so sorry to hear she has passed. I met Teena through a mutual friend several years ago. I enjoyed her sense of humor and positivity, despite her trials. We baked many apple pies together as our Relay for Life team fundraiser. She was so fun at the Relay, my daughter was little and thought riding on Teena’s lap around the track was great fun! She was also the proud recipient of one of Teena’s hooded towels, a ladybug. Prayers to your family in your loss, she was a special person.
The Stieg Family says
Brittanee and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your moms passing. She was one of the toughest gals I have had the pleasure of knowing. She always had a great outlook even when it seemed that the odds would stacked against her. You and your family are in are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!
Cori Munsell says
So sorry to hear I always enjoyed working with Teena and having her as a friend while I lived in Miles City.
Rick & Dee Abbott says
We were saddened to learn of Teena’s passing. Rick first met Teena when he was a student at MCC – she ALWAYS encouraged him to capture his goals and NEVER complained! Later, Rick worked under Teena at the MCC Library – they shared some good laughs and a bit of good natured mischief. I enjoyed getting to know Teena as well – I admired each of her accomplishments and cherished her friendship. Each of Teena’s family is in our prayers for comfort ~ cherish your sweet memories, too!
Tim & Cyn Wildman says
Jack, Shirley and family: Tim and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. I don’t believe I ever had the pleasure of meeting Teena but Tim tells me she was one of the most pleasant people to whom he delivered. She always greeted him at the door! She will be missed we’re sure by all! May the Lord hold each and every one of you in his arms.
Amy Tookr says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I had the opportunity to meet Teena and was impressed with her independence and tenacity. My children have some of her famous towels and they argue over who gets to wear which one each bath night!
Dawn Paul says
I am so very sorry for your families loss. I so loved seeing her smile!!! She was a Fantastic person. God Bless you and your family at this difficult time! Love you all!!!!
Betty Vail says
Teena was a fantastic friend and will be missed by many. I worked at MCC for 10 years when Teena was employed there. She made my day many times. I especially enjoyed scrapbooking with her. She was a role model for how to deal with a difficult situation. I will miss her.
Carroll and Lanell Kaup says
Our sincere sympathy to all of the Clifford family for the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your faith provide comfort and help to ease the pain. May your cherished memories give you encouragement of a life well-lived during the days ahead.
Dennis & Susan Bakken says
So sorry to read of Teena’s passing. May she Rest In Peace.
Harriet & Veryl Jansen says
To the Clifford Family, sorry to hear of the passing of your dear daughter Teena. Sending Special Prayers to All. Cherish all of your wonderful memories.
Claira Bromley says
Jack, Shirley, Terri, and the rest of the family, especially Britany, So sorry about Teena! Her passing must be bittersweet, as now she is free of pain, and like
Terri said, she is waltzing with the Angels tonight, may she enjoy her eternal life in heaven! I know your heart ache!
Dorla Harrison & Annabel Luze says
Britany & family,
Thinking of you at this difficult time….
May our Teena, rest in peace,
We are a phone call away
Love you all
martha allison says
So sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers are with you
Grace Larson says
I am so sorry to hear of your daughter’s death . just know that when you see her again she will be in excellent health .
Joan Lwinwand says
Sending my condolences.?
Diane DeCock Buell says
To the Clifford Family,
Blessings to you in your time of sorrow. I send my sympathy to you all.
Having lost my husband, memories carry me through. What a big
family you are, so must have lots of great memories!
Vern and Eileen Entzel says
We were so glad to have been able to know Teena. She was such a tallented lady and was so positive for every thing she lived with every day. Our prayers are with the family.
Ellen Hart says
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Teena and Brittanee living next door to us as our children were growing up. Her roller coaster ride has brought her to a much more pleasant home.
Tenneil (Hirsch) Harms says
Brittanee & Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I remember your mom as a fighter especially through her health battles. I am saddened to hear of her passing, but hoping you can find some joy in her peace and comfort that she is experiencing in heaven.
Stephanie Hart says
Oh, the many, many rides to school in the little brown car, where I learned the importance of buckling up and the generosity of friends that make a community what it should be. Teena recognized me many years later at a graduation in Billings and filled me in on the good news of your life, Brittanee, in her way of caring about and connecting with those around her. I am sorry for your loss. Losing a parent, and your children’s Nana, is one of life’s hardest things. My prayers and supportive thoughts will remain pointed in your direction in these months of transition and grieving and growing.
Dan Gray says
I am sorry to hear of Teena’s passing. I knew her in high school and visited her on occasion when she worked at MCC. I offer my condolences to her family and friends.
Becky Ruff says
Teena was one of strongest most loving people in this world. Her memories will go on forever. I will miss her along with several others. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Thank you Teena for bring Brittanee into my life. Love Becky
Wanda Gresens says
Brittanee So sorry to hear about Teena. I have good memories of when you both lived down the street from us on Jordon Ave . Your mom was such a hard worker and adored you. Hang on to the good times and the wonderful creative things she has crafted for you , they will bring you comfort . Thinking of you and your family . Wanda Gresens Harbaugh
Aaron Mollie Robert and Michael Phipps says
Brittanee so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Andrew Donnelly says
Tina was a wonderful person. She brightened my day up every time I visited the MCC library as a student. She was also very brave and inspiring. I wish I was able to say I knew her better than I do. My condolences to the family.
Arlen & Barbie Kirkaldie says
Teena was a precious ,beautiful woman . our prayers and hugs are with the Clifford family . God Bless .
Sharon Kearnes says
My deepest sympathy to the Clifford family. Teena was one of the first people I met when I started working at MCC and we worked together 30 plus years. Over our years of working together I was constantly awed by her talent and abilities. She mastered new technology effortlessly and was always willing to give a helping hand to a technology challenged person like myself. She had a great sense of humor and over the years we played many pranks on her boss Larry. No one had a stronger work ethic than Teena. There were days when she showed up at work, driving through a terrible snow storm on terrible roads. She was so dedicated to her job. She paid it forward and gave back constantly, chairing our Relay for Life team and organizing other fund raising events. As another staff person put it, she was truely a hero and our hero. She will be missed by all that knew her. I am so honored to call her my friend and feel blessed to have known her. To her daugher, grand children and family. I am sure you know how much she loved you. May that love comfort you during this difficult time. I am sorry I won’t be able to be at the funeral, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathy and curt says
Teena will be missed by all. She always had a smile for everyone and an independent spirit which I greatly admired. She tried to never let life get to her and enjoyed the moment. She had a huge love for family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family during this time of loss.
Deb (Moths) Schmeling says
Tenna was a awesome lady. She was always willing to help with any project. She was in my rubber-stamping group. She was also a great seamstress. She made the most beautiful baby towels. I will miss her friendship and smile. Hugs to her family.
Tom and Kathy Wankel says
Thinking of Teena and sending prayers of strength.
Karla and Jack Mahan says
Teena and family have been in our thoughts and prayers this year as you have all been so strong for each other during this difficult time. Teena was always so brave and so faithful. We will continue to think of all of the Clifford family and Brittanee and her beautifil family in the months to come as you miss her. May she rest in peace!
Virgil & Waneeta (Brockel) Farris says
To the entire family: please find comfort knowing that there are a great many people who were touched by Teena’s strength and outlook on life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,