Bernice Callantine

MISSOULA - Bernice L. Callantine of Missoula passed away January. 22, 2009, at St. Patrick Hospital.





Bernice was born in Boise, Idaho, on September. 21, 1920, to Leva and Clinton Hardtla. Her early years were lived on the family ranch located between Silver and Georgetown lakes, west of Anaconda. There were no schools close by so it was necessary to stay with various families in order to attend schools at Rock Creek, Southern Cross and Anaconda. For several years, she rode horseback over Daly Mountain to Southern Cross School. There she finished grade school.





She graduated from Anaconda High School in 1938, and then worked at Marko Hotti’s Grocery until marrying Burton Colwell in 1940. They moved to California in 1941 and returned to Anaconda in 1947. After returning, they built their home on Spring Hill, west of Anaconda. In 1951 their son, William, was born.





Bernice divorced and moved to Bozeman in 1957. She married Alvin “Cal” Callantine and in 1961 they had a daughter, Darlene. They moved to Missoula where they started Spic and Span Cleaning Service. She owned and operated Spic and Span Cleaning Service for 21 years, after Cal left. Bernice retired in 1990. She was a pioneer businesswoman, successfully operating her own business while being a wonderful mother.





A “grateful thanks” from Bernice to Dave Gilligan, Greg Johnson, Bonnie and Jerry Tahiya, and Mike O’Connell who extended willing and helpful hands when needed during the years she maintained Spic and Span.





Bernice loved playing the accordion, organ and piano. She composed music and played at many dances. She was an accomplished whittler and painter, and loved raising lots and lots of flowers in her yard. Bernice prospected for many years and worked mining claims; she built stone walks and planters from slate and shale.





Bernice was a great cook. She loved family gatherings and was usually the birthday cake maker. People and animals in need were always welcome and helped by tenderhearted Bernice.





She thanked God every day through Jesus Christ for caring for her during her lifetime.





Bernice is survived by son Bill (Peggy) Colwell; and daughter Darlene (Gary) Koester; and grandchildren, Jim (Monique), Scot (Shelly), Clint and Jesse Colwell; and great-grandchildren Caleb, Elisa and Rebecca Colwell; brother George (Nancy) Hardtla and family to whom she was especially close; and sisters Evelyn (Chuck) Hungate and family, and Sharon (Gene) Wright and family. Her aunt Ruth Johnson and family and aunt Betty Britain and family also survive her.





She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and a great friend to many. She will always be missed.





A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January. 28, reception to follow at Christian Assembly Four Square Church, 1001 Cleveland St., Missoula. Memorials can be made to World Vision, P.O. Box 70399, Acct. no. 3683-4158 ID no. 164897-2622 Bridget Katwdsige (Uga.), Tacoma, WA 98481-0399 or the Humane Society of Western Montana.






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