Ardith J. Clare, 84

Ardith J. Clare passed away quietly on April 19, 2015, after a short illness in Salinas, California, where she had been living with her son Jeffrey Clare. Ardith was 84 years old.

Ardith was born in Butte to her parents Dr. Clarence W. Granger and Beulah B. Granger on June 14, 1930. She had three older sisters, Beulah Olson, Orlene Eklund and Burdette Taylor.

Ardith married Lyle H. Clare on Nov. 8,1953, at the Lakeside Community Chapel. Ardith and Lyle first lived in Mountain Brook and later moved to the Creston National Fish Hatchery where Lyle was employed. They lived at that address until Lyle’s passing in 1979 when she moved to Lakeside. Ardith and Lyle had two sons, Jeffrey and Steven Clare.

She was an accomplished artist and for several years Ardith owned and operated the Country Cottage Ceramic Shop in Creston and Kalispell where she taught ceramic classes several nights a week. She sold the ceramic business in 1979. She later worked at Herberger’s department store in Kalispell, and then later at Flathead Bank in Lakeside. Ardith was retired for the past several years, living in her home at the Village Greens in Evergreen.

Ardith was a charter member of the Bigfork Chapter of Eastern Star where she remained a member for more than 50 years. She was also an active member of Beta Sigma Phi and Daughters of the Nile.

Ardith was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle H. Clare; and her son, Steven L. Clare; as well has her parents and three sisters.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Clare, of Prunedale, California; and her three grandchildren, Steven J. Clare of Santa Cruz, California, Bethany L. Clare of Salt Lake City, and Michael D. Clare of Prunedale; as well a several nieces and nephews; and her two sisters-in-law, Emmeral Clare and Thallis Birk, both of Kalispell.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 27, at the Lakeside Community Chapel in Lakeside. There will be a reception at the church following the service with food and refreshments. Any dessert or dishes will be welcome and greatly appreciated by the family.

Donations to the Lakeside Community Chapel are encouraged and welcome.

Ardith’s final resting place will be at the Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell.