Clara Marie Gilreath, age 85 of Helena
Clara Marie Gilreath passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023. She and Art had been listening to musicians play and enjoying others dance. The Lord called her home as they were returning to their apartment.
Clara was born March 25, 1938, in Hardin, Montana to Gottlieb and Pauline Hert. She had four sisters and seven brothers. She was active in the 4-H Community. It was at one of the 4-H Community meetings where Art and Clara first met. Art said it was love at first sight. He ran home after the meeting and announced to his sisters he had just met the girl he was going to marry. They were married four years later November 21, 1954. They would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.
Clara and Art had two children: a son Steven and daughter Joanne. She took pride in being a wonderful homemaker and a loving Mom. After moving to Helena, she became active in the Helena Homemakers Club. She waited until the children were older and had entered school before she began a very active and fulfilling, professional career. Clara began working at the City of Helena Police Department. She then moved on to the Clerk of the District Court’s Office where she worked for almost 30 years. During that time, she worked as Deputy District Clerk, and later ran and won the election for District Clerk of Court; a position she held for many years until she retired in 1993. She was well respected by the judges and attorneys with whom she worked. Those who knew Clara had a tremendous amount of love and respect for her.
Clara was also an active member of her professional association of Clerks of the Districts Courts in Montana (MACDC) and held several offices. Art was very supportive and travelled with her to the MACDC annual meetings.
Clara loved her family as well as her professional career. She was an amazing cook and hosted countless holiday celebrations. She loved word puzzles, playing cards and especially playing the dice game, Farkle, of course, under “Grandma Rules.”
She and Art shared a cabin at Canyon Ferry Lake with their daughter and spent many weekends enjoying life at the lake. They loved early morning fishing trips on their boat and relaxing on the deck soaking up the sunshine.
Clara and Art also spent time with their son at his family cabin on Stemple Pass sharing many fun times and sitting in lawn chairs in the creek to cool off.
Clara was an active member of Plymouth Congregational Church where she served on a regular basis and was active in their Retired Sinners Club.
Clara was in the Daughters of the Niles and participated in the Shriner’s events with her husband raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through selling of football books every year. Clara also managed the bookkeeping for the football fundraising for several years.
Clara is preceded in death by her parents Gottlieb and Pauline Hert, her siblings, Charles (Donnie) Hert, Floyd Hert, Alfred Hert, Annabelle Stricker, Ruby Gable, Melvin Hert, Ronald Hert and Elmer Hert.
Clara is survived by her beloved husband, and love of her life, Art; her sister Alice Malone, Wichita, KS; brother Harold Hert, Billings; son and wife Steven and Phyllis Gilreath, Helena; daughter Joanne and son-in-law Paul Bryson, Wilder ID; grandchildren, Barry Tresch, Boise, ID; Kellie and Brandon Fasching, Beaverton, OR; Brian Gilreath, Helena; Cailin and Tony Martello, Helena; Dolan and Jamie Gilreath, Helena; and Killian and Kyle Schmauch, Helena. Clara was also a great grandmother to: Tyson and Brie Martello; Cameron Hurt; Arik Tresch; Ellis Fasching; Oliver and Vivian Wheat; Easton and Raelynn Gilreath. Clara is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews; too many to list. Please know she loved you all dearly.
The family would like to thank the staff at Touchmark, St. Peters Hospice, Drs. Paustian, O’Connell and Vellanki who cared for Clara throughout her life. We are forever grateful for the care she received.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, May 3, at Plymouth Congressional Church, 400 S. Oakes, Helena, MT 59601. Inurnment will immediately follow services. Lunch will be served in the basement of the church at the conclusion of the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Wednesday May 3, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S Oakes Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Inurnment
Following the Memorial Service
Wednesday May 3, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S. Oakes Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Inurnment
Wednesday May 3, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S. Oakes Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Wednesday May 3, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S Oakes Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Inurnment
Following the Memorial Service
Wednesday May 3, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S. Oakes Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Inurnment
Wednesday May 3, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S. Oakes Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Karen Hardy Farrow says
To the Family of Clara,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Clara, she was such a sweet lady. I enjoyed seeing her when she came into the clinic. Prayers to the family for quick healing.
Shirley Reese says
Art and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Clara’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with her, while she was Clerk of Court. She was a special lady, a great boss and a good friend. She will be remembered and missed!
Tom and Debbie Erving says
Our prayers go out to Art, Steve , Joanne and families. Clara will surely be missed. Many your many great memories help you though this time. Clara , I will always remember your smile and G & T’s Thank you !
Robin Burns says
Oh my goodness. I am so sorry to hear this. Clara was one of a kind. Praying for the family. Much love, Robin
Angel says
Always remember she had a last dance with a smile on her face. Art, you are kept in my prayers.
Nancy Sweeney says
Art and Family. so sad to hear that Clara has passed. She helped me how to grow up and have fun at the same time. She taught me to lead by example and how to help people! Boy were our office parties fun. She is a great lady and boss and I will miss her. Keeping you all in my prayers
Kryss Kuntz says
Joanne and family,
I am truly sorry to hear of your moms passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. She is and will always be in your heart and soul. Take good care.
Kryss Kuntz
Jim & Julie DeMars says
We are sending big hugs. prayers and love to you all. Clara was a wonderful lady who will be missed by many. Keep all your wonderful memories close.
jeff sherlock says
So sorry to hear of Clara’s passing. I knew her through the clerk of court’s office, where she did an excellent job. The efficiency of her office was admired by all the lawyers and judges that depended on her. The clerk’s annual Christmas party was always a memorable event. Peace to her family
Laurena and Ken Stephens says
Art and Family,
So very sorry and saddened to hear of Clara’s passing. I worked for Clara in the Clerk of Court’s office. She was a wonderful boss and person, full of fun, jokes and pranks . Many fond memories of times spent with her. Thinking of you all with deepest sympathy.
Sue & Curt Chisholm says
Dear Art, Steve, Joanne and loving family members…I am beyond sad to hear of dear Clara’s passing. I was lucky to work for the Clerks office and have this special lady as my boss when she was the Clerk of Court. Every day was an adventure with Clara, she ran a tight ship and I was always proud to say that I worked there. Clara was such a wonderful role model for all…she was admired and respected by her staff, Judges and attorneys and whoever she dealt with as the Clerk of Court…Clara’s sense of humor was beyond measure…no matter how serious the situation she could always find humor in it all. She made the working atmosphere fun…I treasure the wonderful memories I have of my time there and the special friendships that I was lucky to have and still have to this day…Loved the parties we had with Clara and Art together! What a fun darling couple they made!! We will miss dear Clara too and know your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers! ♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️ – Sue & Curt
John Grant says
I was sorry to hear of Clara’ death. I was one of the many lawyers that Clara trained. She was always patient and helpful to young lawyers that had trouble finding the courthouse and did not know what to do once they got there. She was very special
Marci Lynn says
Dear Art, Steve, Joanne and the entire Gilreath Family, it was with sadness that I heard of Clara’s passing. I have many fond memories of Clara when I worked with her in the Clerk of Court’s Office in the 70s. I regret I wasn’t able to visit and share stories of yesteryear with her before she passed. God bless you all during this time. Steve & Marci Lynn
Terry Thomas & Teri Bingham says
So sorry to hear. My sincere condolences to the entire Gilreath family.
Carole Carey says
Art and family, may I express my deepest sympathy to you all. I knew her as Clerk of Court and will always appreciate how welcoming she was to me in the Association when we attended meetings, schools and conventions. We all inspired to be like Clara. She was a great leader, a fun person and so smart. She loved her family, life, her job and always lit up the room when she entered. God go with you all.