Kathryn Clare died peacefully on the morning of August 12, 2011. She lived a long and fulfilled life.
Kathryn was born to Claude and Ruth Martin on July 13, 1926 in Jeffers, MT. Her happy childhood around her grandparent’s store in Jeffers nurtured a lifelong love for the Madison Valley. Growing up, she became familiar with various areas of Montana as her father’s work as a bridge engineer brought the family throughout the state.
In 1947 Kathryn married William Huber Barnes in Helena. After he died in 1957, she raised their two daughters and worked for the State Highway Commission. In 1969, she married Ralph Clare and they eventually relocated to McClellan Creek, where they built a beautiful log home and lived happily for many years. At this home, many joyous Christmases were celebrated with Kathryn’s children and grand-children.
After Ralph died in 1994, Kathryn stayed on in their beloved home and lived independently for many years. Although extremely self-reliant and independent, as her health began to fail she was forced to rely more on the care of others. In the past nearly two years, she lived with her daughter in Butte, MT.
Kathy was devoted to her family and her favorite times were spent with grand-children, daughters, nieces and nephews. Throughout her life she was a tremendous support to her family. Although a quiet person with a tendency to avoid crowds, she had many dear friends. Her gracious spirit and generosity along with her love to cook and feed people made for many good times in her home. She was especially fond of Montana, calling it the “most beautiful place on Earth.”
She was preceded in death by both parents, her two husbands, sister Louise Hungerford and brother Kenneth Martin. She is survived by her daughters, Jeanette Barnes of Butte and Barbara Barnes of Reno, NV; grandchildren Carmen Barnes, Ronda Tenas, and Robbie Tenas; step-daughters Ann Sipes of Henderson, TX and Jane Clark of Longview TX; and great grand-children Anthony Tenas and Alena Tenas. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as many good and wonderful friends.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, corner of 8th and Warren with a viewing starting at 1:30 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be sent to the St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, MT. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Kathryn, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Lyle & Barb Watson says
I am so sorry to hear the passing of your Mother. I worked with her for many years at the courthouse. She was in a different office but we became very good friends. We have been gone from that area a long time but have tried to keep up with her through Lyle’s brother Howard. She was the kindest lady I knew and a gread cook. Our thoughts will be with you during this trying time.