Clara Joan Sayle, 78

“Clara Joan (Joy) Sayle had the best Christmas present ever; she celebrated it with Jesus.” She unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015. She was surrounded by her sons and their families in her last hours. Clara had her wit and sense of humor till the end.

Clara was born to Clark H. Joy and Bertha Joy (Zimmerman) on May 16, 1937 in Polson. She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1955. She raised three Christian boys who all volunteered to serve in the U.S. military, Dennis Lewis (U.S. Army), Gary Lewis (U.S, Navy) and Daryl Lewis (U.S. Air Force). She taught Sunday school and ensured they had a solid Christian foundation from an early age.

Clara was quite active in the Cub Scouts (Den Mother) and Boy Scouts of America while her boys were young. She played an important part in their education and was a PTA volunteer. Clara was a very social person which was displayed by her success as an Avon lady. She was employed by JCPenney in Kalispell for 25 years. In retirement, Clara was known as the “movie lady” at several movie rental establishments. She enjoyed movies and game nights with her family. Clara moved to Fountain Colorado in 2011 to be closer to two of her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Clara was preceded in death by her mother and father, uncle Lawrence Zimmerman, aunt Jennie Desch, uncle Fritz Desch, aunt Lena Zimmerman and uncle Bill Zimmerman and many other dear family members and friends.

She is survived by her siblings, Bob Joy of Kalispell, Donna Hedge of Columbia Falls, and Ron Joy of Crosby, Minnesota; sons, Dennis Lewis and his wife Svetlana Lewis of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Gary Lewis and his wife Jill Lewis of Vancouver, Washington, and Daryl Lewis and his wife Lisa Lewis (ZeVan) of Fountain, Colorado; six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many other caring family members and friends.

Clara did not want a public service, so her sons gathered immediate family to celebrate her life through treasured memories and precious stories.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity as you feel led.