Clara Louise Blakeley

• Census 1940: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VBQ6-VBC

ABSAROKEE — Clara Louise Gaustad Blakeley of Absarokee died Jan. 29, 2013, at Aspen Meadows in Billings after an extended stay. The care and friendship of the staff there was much appreciated by Clara and her family.

Clara was born Nov. 10, 1913, at the family’s homestead on the East Rosebud River. She was the youngest of five siblings: her sisters Alma, Odveig, Thora, and brother James. Clara was also a consummate crossword puzzle worker, grew beautiful gardens, played cards, and was famous for her apple pies and sugar cookies. She was a member of the VFW, Ladies Auxiliary and Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Preston Blakeley, of Absarokee; her son Billy Bruce Blakeley of Houston, Texas; her daughter Terrie Gail Schaff of Billings; and her granddaughter Krista Kay Schaff Brown of Red Lodge.

She is survived by her oldest son, Morris Preston Blakeley; son-in-law, Ron Schaff of Billings, daughters-in-law, Shirley Blakeley of Livingston and Lana Blakeley of Tomball, Texas; and dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

We are lucky to have had such a strong-spirited woman in our lives. We miss you, Gram, but you are at peace with your family now.

A graveside memorial service will be held June 9, at Rosebud Cemetery at 2 p.m., followed by a reception hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Absarokee. http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/clar...