Clarice L. Amundsen, 81

Clarice L. Amundsen was born Dec. 2, 1934, in Pittsville, Wisconsin, to Glendine and Hamer Rose. She passed away from natural causes, heart and lung issues, on Oct. 16, 2016, while surrounded by family at the Heritage Place in Kalispell.

One of five children, Clarice enjoyed large family gatherings where she could be in the company of those she loved. Clarice grew up on a farm in North Dakota.

In 1953 while in Fargo, North Dakota, she met and later married Gordon Helland. Together until 1972, they had four children and raised them both in Minnesota and then Montana.

In 1975, Clarice moved to Minneapolis in order to obtain care from the top-rated heart specialists as she battled heart problems that began when she was just 33 years old. She was a fighter who repeatedly defied the odds and was recently planning her next adventure despite declining health.

Clarice was always a hard worker and worked full time as a nurse’s aide in Minneapolis at St. Mary’s and Northwestern Hospital, all while raising a family. She held various job titles over the years from waitress to office clerk but later retired from nursing.

Clarice had a strong-willed and vocal personality balanced by her profound love and acceptance of her family. She believed fiercely that everyone deserved a second chance and that we should not wish others bad will. She was loyal and caring friend but she wasn’t one to hold back her opinion either.

In 2006, she relocated to Montana. Over the past years she could be found sharing stories over coffee with her dear friends at the Van EE Apart-ments.

Clarice remained independent and was often the wheelman on many road trips. As she lost her ability to drive her family took turns spending time with her. Some of her favorite moments in these final years were the little things in life such as getting her nails painted by her granddaughters or simply sharing a good meal.

Clarice was one of the strongest women any of us have ever met and her tenacious yet warm presence will be greatly missed from our family.

Clarice is survived by her children, Sandy Hafer, Connie Jones, Shirley Corpe and Kent Helland and Teri Cochrane, all of Montana; grandchildren, Jonathan Jones, Jesse Jones, Jolene Ramos, Amy Probert, Nathanial Helland, Richie Probert, Dustin Thornton, Tonya Flynn and Candice Day; great-grandchildren, Ruby, Rhiannon, Esmerelda, Elx, Andrew, Carter, Hudson, Ryan, Harley and Athena; and extended family, Donna Helland and many more family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hamer and Glendine Rose; sisters, Carol Stephens and Wanda Braulick; brothers, Ruben and Donald Rose; and grandchildren, Jacob Jones and Talis Buck.

Buffalo Funeral Home is assisting with burial cremation. A potluck gathering to celebrate her life will be held 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 2 at the Kalispell Eagles Club.