Clara Alice Minster, 82

Clara Alice Minster, 82, passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at her home in Kalispell. She was born May 29, 1926, in Hillhead, S.D., to Emil and Rena (Skogen) Manthie.

Clara moved to Missoula at the age of 3 after the death of her father. She received her early education there, graduating from Missoula High School. She then met Garnet Minster when he returned after serving in World War II, and they were married June 24, 1946, in Missoula.

In 1964 the couple moved to Kalispell, where Clara worked for Flathead Travel for 15 years. Clara and Garnet were very active socially with all of the organizations Garnet was involved in.

For many years the couple cultivated a massive garden, much of which was shared with friends and neighbors, and also taking many hours of labor canning and freezing produce. Clara enjoyed camping and some travel and she also loved to entertain. During the last few years of Garnet's life, Clara was a companion and constant caregiver.

Clara was preceded in death by Garnet; three brothers; one sister; and a grandson, Alexander West, in 2001.

She is survived by her son, Allen R. Minster, and wife, Claudia, of St. Louis; three granddaughters, Jamie Minster and husband, Jason Selby, of Charleston, S.C., Katherine Minster and husband, Joshua Faulkner, of St. Louis, and Jessica West and husband, Dan, of Charleston; and three great-grandchildren, Lotus, Grace and Amelie.

Funeral services for Clara will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Larry Stappler officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Dec. 27, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral chapel. Burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial gifts to the Home Options/Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Clara's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Clara's guest book.