Claire Belle Simons, 89

It is with deep sadness and much love that we mourn the earthly passing of Claire Belle Simons (née Waltz) of Kalispell on April 5, 2022, at the age of 89 years.

Born to John and Marie Waltz on Sept. 14, 1932, the doctor announced her birth stating, “She looks like a Honey to me!” Her nickname Honey would follow her and is only trumped by the name she heard most often, Nana. She was predeceased and is now reunited in Heaven with her loving husband of 53 years, Joe.

Claire will be forever remembered by her children, Linda, Sue, Debra, Jay, and Tammy; their spouses, Art, Pete, Franklin, Lynn, and Steve; along with 20 grandchildren, their spouses, 54 great-grandkids, their spouses, and four great-great-grandkids. In all, 109 called her Mom and Nana.

Claire met Joe in Cleveland, Ohio in 1950, marrying shortly after. In 1958, they moved their young family to Orange County, California. Claire raised her five children and enjoyed a life full of homemaking, cooking, bowling, and card games. She was a leader of a Girl Scout and Brownie troop there, too. She taught herself to cook by her own experiments and asking her neighbors for help. And now her recipes are shared as legendary amongst family and friends. While in California, she enrolled in nursing school in 1968 and graduated second in her class, going on to become an OB nurse.

In 1971, they moved to Grants Pass, Oregon and purchased a KOA Campground. Claire had so many stories from that short time in Oregon. But her best and most frequently told story was that of dedicating her life to the Lord.

At the age of 40, Claire came to the Lord after experiencing a vision and hearing the Lord tell her, “If you will seek me with all of your heart, you will surely find me.” The next morning, when the alter call was given, she was the first in line. Since that day, she has dedicated all of her life works to Jesus Christ, bringing as many of us along as she could!

Claire and Joe lived in Sequim, Washington for more than 20 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at Easthaven Baptist Church on Friday, April 29 at 11 a.m.

Memorial Donations may be made in the name of Claire Simons to Samaritan’s Purse.