Alice Kleffner Dove died June 17, 2024.
Alice Jean Kleffner was born November 17, 1942, in Great Falls MT, the daughter of Paul & Thelma (Putnam) Kleffner. She grew up on a beautiful ranch south of East Helena, attended St. Ann’s school in East Helena, and graduated from Cathedral High school.
The summer of 1961, while working as a secretary at Montana Highway Patrol headquarters, she met the love of her life, and on March 3, 1962, she married William Larry Dove. Thus, she began the most important career of her life, that of wife and mother.
Bill’s career with the Highway Patrol began in Missoula, and in 1965 he was transferred to a traffic position in Whitehall. Alice enjoyed being a stay-at-home Mom and was active in church and community activities.
After her children were grown, she served two terms as City Judge in Whitehall. Following Bill’s transfer to Helena in 1993 she worked as a deputy clerk in the Clerk of Court’s office.
She retired in 1999, and with her husband Bill, managed the Kleffner Ranch until the historic ranch was sold in 2005. Alice & Bill enjoyed traveling and spending time with family in their retirement years.
In addition to her Parents, Alice was preceded in death by infant daughter Carol Ann in 1964, and infant son, Robert Charles in 1968. She is survived by loving husband William Larry, sons Bill (Kate) of Bozeman; Jim (Natalia) of Columbia MO, and daughter, Karen Dove of Seattle WA. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Dylan Schreder of Seattle WA, Austin (Katie) Schreder of Columbia Falls, Nichole Heisler of Seattle WA, Billy (Mari) Dove Jr. of Eustice, FL, Spencer Pappas of Portland, Andrew Dove of St. Louis MO and Alexis Dove of Columbia MO and the most recent addition to the family, Great Grandson William C. Dove of Eustice, FL.
Also surviving are siblings Janet Waldron of Helena, Charles (Lynne) Kleffner of Bigfork, Colleen Schulte (Mike) of Butte, Dorothy Kleffner of San Raphael CA., Irene Ewing of Spokane, and Linda (Pat) Nichol of Kalispell, numerous nieces & nephews, & cousins.
A vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26th at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs St in East Helena. Rite of committal will follow the Mass at St. Ann’s Cemetery. A reception will follow the committal in the lower level of the church.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 25, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
Noon
Wednesday June 26, 2024
Saint Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana
Rite of Committal
Immediately following Funeral Mass
Wednesday June 26, 2024
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following Committal Rite
Wednesday June 26, 2024
Lower Level of Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
,
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 25, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
Noon
Wednesday June 26, 2024
Saint Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana
Rite of Committal
Immediately following Funeral Mass
Wednesday June 26, 2024
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following Committal Rite
Wednesday June 26, 2024
Lower Level of Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
,
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Tonna Strasko says
Family of Alice Dove,
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I worked with Alice at the Courthouse. I was a
legal secretary for several years and for several judges.
Our office interacted with the Clerk of Court’s office daily.
Alice always had a smile for us.
God be with you all as you go through this most difficult time.
Tonna W. Strasko
Billie Jo Meglen says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Bill I know how hard this is for you, remember the good times and there were many. Alice was a dear friend and class mate from Cathedral High. We had so many wonderful memories. Peace be with you dear Alice.
mary vogel says
My sincere condolences to your family. Karen spoke fondly of her mother and I can see why. She was clearly beloved by family, friends and colleagues alike, and I am sure will be dearly missed.
Peace be with your family.
Mary Brydich says
Bill and Family – I am so sorry to hear of Alice’s passing. I have so many fond memories over the years through knowing her father, Paul, through you and Kiwanis but especially through church. Growing up in East Helena, I had many opportunities to visit the Kleffner Ranch. Alice was a wonderful woman and I know she will be missed. I am sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers.
Wendy Olson says
We are sending our love to Alice’s family. We had so many good times getting together with Alice and Bill and other friends. What a wonderful lady she was, and she always had a smile to share. May God give you all comfort at this sad time.
Judy and Leonard Ober says
Larry and family
So sorry for your loss. We enjoyed visiting with you both when we lived in Helena. We are now located in Blackfoot Id
May the Lord be with you
Will keep you in our prayers
Patty Donoho says
She was loved and will be missed by many!
Oro Fino Chapter, NSDAR says
Alice became a member of the Oro Fino Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution on February 7, 2009 and was very active throughout the years. She was loved by all of us and she will be deeply missed. We loved hearing her stories of her family and of her roots back to the Revolutionary War. She recently participated with our chapter in both the East Helena Memorial Day and Clancy Days Parades. We are so sorry for your loss.
Debby Johnson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Bill. I am so sorry for your loss. I have so enjoyed getting to know the two of you in water aerobics class. What a sweet person Alice was and the two of you were such a wonderful couple. I could tell how much love you both had for one another and how you took care of each other. I’m sure this is very hard for you. I’m sorry I couldn’t make her service. I really wanted to, but I am out of town on a trip. My concern and love goes out to you. ❤️ Debby