Delores Dietrich Clothier, 82

Delores Dietrich Clothier, 82, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, at Brendan House in Kalispell. She was born on April 27, 1927, in Cody, Wyo., the daughter of Jack and Ruth (Ross) Dietrich. Delores grew up on a farm in Wyoming, enjoying the outdoors and the windy plains. As a young child, she loved to spend time on her horse, Topsy, and had many adventures with her sister and two brothers. As a senior in high school, she met Darrell Clothier at a soda fountain in her hometown. After their wedding in Polson, they moved around with his work until returning to the Flathead Valley where Darrell had been raised. They bought a little house in Rose Crossing which they remodeled, and then bought and remodeled several other houses. Delores and Darrell had two children, Stanley and Geri. She spent much of her time dedicated to being a mother and a wife. She and Darrell started and managed several businesses throughout their lives. Delores was a critical component in these ventures as the business manager of every single one. Their latest business was Spruce Park Mobile Village and Campground, which she and Darrell purchased and updated in 1985. They ran this business until their recent retirement. Delores enjoyed brook trout fishing, was an excellent seamstress, and knitted many cherished sweaters for her family. Her granddaughters have many fond memories of a grandma who was always ready to make salt-dough and candy projects, read unending stories to them, and had an open purse as a gum and candy dispensary. Delores is survived by her husband of 65 years, Darrell Clothier; her daughter, Geri, and husband, Robert Malberg; her granddaughters, Amity Malberg, Jessica and husband, Jeffrey Fiftal, and Cadie and husband, Ethan Bailey; and her great-grandchildren, Ezias and Azalea Bailey. She is also survived by her sister, Lorraine, and her husband, Ray Troudt, and their family in Priest River, Idaho. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and her son, Stanley Clothier. Funeral services for Delores will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, with Pastors Robert Ross and Dave Sprunger officiating. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation for Delores will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Compassion International for relief for Haiti s children. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Delores family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Delores tribute wall.