Clairice Christine Coverdell, 85

Clairice Christine Coverdell, 85, beloved wife, mother, and granny was surrounded by family as she was called peacefully home to join the love of her life on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. 

Born in Minot, North Dakota, on May 27, 1939, to Gilbert and Lela Semingson, Clairice was raised and educated in Deering, North Dakota until moving with her family to Polson where she met Richard "Dick" Coverdell in her sophomore year of high school. They were married in Polson and traveled with the Army until settling in Columbia Falls.

Clairice found joy in pottery, throwing original designs and pieces that were shown and sold in venues within and outside the state. She was a Lefse expert, an avid reader, and a Dachshund devotee. She experienced peace in exploring the Oregon Coast, looked forward to traveling to the south in winters, and believed that her family was her greatest accomplishment and a never-ending source of pride. 

The time and energy Clairice devoted to her family was the greatest depiction of unconditional love. Whether hosting a family dinner, designing wedding dresses and bouquets, keeping books and running parts, caring for grandchildren, providing a strong shoulder, or meeting a plethora of other needs, there wasn’t an ask that she would not answer. 

She was preceded in death by her love of 60 years. 

She is survived by four daughters and sons in-law, Teresa and Paul Babcock of Columbia Falls, Rhonda and Scott Teague of Woodburn, Oregon, Leah and Daniel Zika of Battle Ground, Washington, and Jody and Jeff Baiar of Columbia Falls; grandchildren, Kyle Babcock, Angela Eastham and husband Jason, Travis Teague and wife Candice, Tyler Teague and wife Kate, Deanna Teague, Ryan Zika and wife Kristine, Megan Zika, Michael Baiar, and Jessica Sharbono; 18 great-grandchildren; brother Lynn Semingson and wife Sonya; sister Lola Gay Hetland, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends. 

A family memorial will be held in late Spring, 2025.