Cleona “Tommy” Lenore Lybeck, 86
Born Feb. 24, 1934, to Thomas and Adella McClelland in Kalispell, Tommy grew up on the family farm and attended Helena Flats grade school and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1951.
Despite Tommy utilizing bathroom windows to evade Ray’s courting, she soon fell head over heels in love and married Ray Lybeck in 1951. They worked side by side on the farm while raising their family of five boys, Daryl, Dan, Dale, Duane, and Dirk; and one daughter, Monica Dawn. Family was always Tommy’s number-one priority; she and Ray were blessed as their country home filled up with nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She had a knack of making holidays and birthday celebrations special for everyone and she loved sitting in the bleachers decked out in team colors, supporting her family at sporting events, concerts and car races.
“Cooking, Coffee and Talking” best define her family’s fondest thoughts of her. Next to her family, Tommy’s second love was a good cup of coffee! It was always “coffee time” at Tommy’s house and it could be 100 degrees out and she always offered up her guests a cup of coffee. Her cooking skills brought everyone to her table, especially for homemade waffles and pancakes. Some fond memories her family shared were feeling welcome as she always had an open door and listening ear. Tommy was a good storyteller; sharing her lifetime of stories that held everyone’s attention. Family members recall getting surprise care packages filled with goodies from her in the mail, local newspaper clippings and sometimes baked goods. Those who frequented her home noticed her green thumb for gardening inside and out.
Tommy was an active participant in impactful community organizations, some of which include Dariett’s, Home Demonstration Club, Calvary Lutheran Church (founding member), Friendship House Board and 4-H Leader.
Tommy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ray; sons Dale and Daryl; and sisters Clarice McClelland, Jane Herbkersman and Audy AuClaire. She is survived by sons Dan of Great Falls; Duane (Joanne), Dirk (Lisa); daughter Monica Dunn (Greg); grandchildren Hans Lybeck (Denise), Heidi Jorgenson (Mark), Andrew Lybeck (Kaylyn), Alex Lybeck (Kendra), Austin Lybeck (Leah), Arik Lybeck (Mabel), Anna Lybeck (Zack), Amy Lybeck and Blake Dunn; 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private family services will be held Friday with burial to follow services at Conrad Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Tommy to The Friendship House Adult Care, 606 2nd Ave West, Kalispell or to Calvary Lutheran Church, 2200 U.S. 2, Kalispell. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.