On Wednesday, October 30, 2013 surrounded by family and friends, our mother died of long term illnesses. The Lord our Savior, took our beloved Matriarch, Virginia Lee Clifton Stefonic Hand, home to forever rest with our long departed souls. She was born on November 6, 1937 to Laverne Wallace and Russell Clifton.
Our mother attended an all girl’s Catholic school in Butte, before moving to Glen, MT
to continue her high school education at Beaverhead High School in Dillon, MT. She was a member of FHA, Chorus, Beaver Editorial Staff and the Annual Staff.
After High School Virginia married Horace Hand on June 17, 1956. They’ moved and
lived in Butte briefly, then residing in Argenta, for 3 years moving to Dillon and then to Helena in the fall of 1962, where she resided until her passing.
Virginia was a wonderful full time mother, as was the custom, back in the day. She was
The First Lady of Rotary for MT. She started a career, as a waitress at Samba’s, in the 1970’s and went on to work, at The Montana Club and Frontier Town. Virginia and Horace were divorced in 1986. She attended Maddio’s School of Cosmetology, at the age of 50 and graduated October 26, 1986. She went on to create, run and operate, Shear Artistry Hair Design, with youngest daughter Tamarilla Schleining.
Her first loves and interests were family, cooking, fishing and traveling. She never lost
her love for her ex-husband Horace.
She is preceded, in death by: parents, Laverne (Martin) Stefonic; Russell (Jo) Clifton; Brothers, Larry and John Stefonic; Sons, Danial and Randall Hand.
Virginia is survived by: Horace Hand; sons, Kevin and former Allison
Price and Margaret Olsen, Ronald (Connie) Hand; Daughters; Pamela Hand and former husband
John Black and Clyde Wiseman Tamarilla (Russell) Schleining; adopted son, Scott Nelson; Daughter In-laws: Linda Lou Hand and Kim Nylan. Her grandchildren; Jason, Jennifer (Rob) Brewer, Jim Shurtlif, Drew Nalan, Jessica Hand (Mark Rand), Jeremy Hand (Britney O’Leary), Britney (Mike) Wentz, William (Ashley) Hall-Hand, Jacquie Black, Britney Nalan, Bonnie Sue, Sarah (Jon) Vose, David, Joshua (Paige) Schleining, Jason Hand (Shelby White), Horace (Tabitha) Hand, Cole Hand, Levi Hand, Duchene Lewis, Breezy Champlin, Jessica Levitte, Rachelle Marx, Ryan Hand (Dakota McKinis). Great Grandchildren: Elizabeth (brian Waples) Molly May, Khonas, Hailie, Chloe, Sophie, Christopher, Little Jen, Derek, Melissa, Carissa, Chance, Mathew, Chevon, Kaloeb, Johnny, Lillith, Duchene, Tiffany, Samantha, Lilly, Cora, Raiden, Elle Rae, Mason & more. Other Survivors include her, Uncle Charles and Carolyn Clifton, Aunt Pat and Nancy Clifton.
Special thanks to Evelyn, Jade, Mary and Paul from Care Givers from A Plus Health Care Brenda, Kate and Mickey from Hospice of St. Peter’s. Also a special appreciation and thanks to Eagles Lodge of Helena for the use of their facility.
A life celebration will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm, Saturday, November 9, 2013, at the Eagles Lodge, 801 North Fee, Helena, MT 59601. Memorials can be sent to Meals on Wheels, Food Share of Montana & LIEAP. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Virginia.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Jerry Maddio says
Dear Hand Family
I loved your mother, she was so sweet and kind even through her times of great sorrow.
She was so brave and determined to finish cosmetology school and make a living and
Did with flying colors. Take the gifts of love she gave you all and cherish them.
Jerry Maddio
Steve Koester says
I also feel this loss for the Hand family. I have known you for many years and you mother will be missed. I pray she journey’s well and we will all see her soon, but not to soon.
Sandy Benson (Poor) says
To the Hand Family I pray the LORD will give you all peace and comfort during your great loss. Your “Mom” was a great and strong woman and she truly lives on in each of you.
Blessings,
Sandy
Alan Harbaugh says
Sweet dreams Virginia
Your pain is gone and you can now rest… I will miss momma hand as she was known when we all would be at her house.. I wish you and your family peace
Diane Potter says
Dearest Family of Virginia, I first met the entire Hand Family through working at Horace’s assay office. I was kinda his “girl Friday”. I ended up writing Rotary speeches, taking cars for oil changes, and even tutoring young Ronnie through the 8th grade!! Mostly, I knew Pam, Ron, Kevin and Tammy. There were always laughs and excitement connected with the family. Virginia and Horace put on some spectacular parties over the years. I remember V. as a very hard worker and fun to be around.
May your fond memories of your “mom” keep you in good spirits. She is in God’s hands now and at peace. We will all miss her, but will also remember all her achievements and love she gave to everyone.