Clella passed away peacefully on Monday, October 22, 2012. She was born at home in Geraldine, Montana, to John and Lena Alm. She was the 7th child. They left Geraldine to come to Helena after the 1935 earthquakes. Her dad was a carpenter and came to Helena to help rebuild after the quakes. Clella started school in Geraldine where she was in all the local plays where she sang and yodeled. She then attended school in a railroad car in Helena. She left school to work to help support her family, while living in Unionville. Her 1st job was keeping house for A.K. Barber; she made $16.00 per month. She also babysat for Dr. Ted Betzner.
She met Earl Merritt in 1936. They married in 1938. When they married they lived upstairs in the home of Earl’s parents; Clara and George. Earl worked for the power company at Hauser Lake and their 1st daughter, Judith was born in 1940. They moved to the pumping station south of the Causeway before moving to Canyon Ferry power plant where their son, Jay was born in 1943. They temporarily moved to Mystic Lake Power plant and returned to Helena in 1945. In 1946, their daughter Janet was born. They bought land on North Montana Avenue and built their own home. They did all the work themselves. Clella went to work for Chub Munger at the Sunset Drive In Theater. She also worked for the Ski Hi Theater. In 1961 she went to work for the State livestock commission. She retired after 15 years to care for Earl who had been suffering from strokes. In 1970, they built a new house. Clella and Judy did the farming after Earl was not well enough to do it. Clella was known for bringing her Ukulele and singing and yodeling for all get togethers and parties. She sang Chime Bells and Have I told you Lately How Much I love you at the civic center which was her most memorable event.
She was preceded in death by her husband Earl, her parents John and Lena, sisters Alice Bronson, Beulah Engellent, Leona Pillen, Marlene Hahn and Helen Edmonds and brothers Corbin Alm, and Glenn Alm. Clella is survived by her children, Judith (Bob) Johnson, Jay (Sharon) Merritt and Janet Lamping, all of Helena. Also surviving is her sister Beverly Flemming and brother Benton Alm. She is survived by 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren s and 4 great great grand kids.
Clella lived at home as long as she was able. She was cared for by her family and the excellent staff of Rocky Mountain Hospice. She was welcomed in the Country Life Assisted Living in Montana City. They treated mom like a member of their own family. We will be forever grateful to them.
Clella has requested that there will be no funeral service. Memorial may be sent in Clella’s name to the Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 N. Rodney Street, Helena, MT 59601. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Clella, please visit: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Kittie O'Leary LaFazia says
I so remember Clella from when I was a young girl in the early 60’s. My grandmother, Vera Black, lead me to believe I was somehow distantly related to Clella – I really don’t know that was true – But, more importantly, I clearly remember seeing/hearing Clella sing and yodel at the Civic Center. To this day I can remember how impressed I was at how she could yodel – it was amazing. From that day I’ve always compared anyone attempting to yodel to the talent of Clella. May she rest in pease and my condolences to her family.