Clara May Casteel

MISSOULA – Clara May Casteel, our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister died at home with her family surrounding her on Saturday, July 13, 2013. At 90 years of age, her body was just too tired to go on but she had a smile for those she loved right up until the very end.

She was born Clara May Nelson in Lewistown on Nov. 17, 1922, to Edward and Helen Nelson. Her early years were spent on the plains of central Montana, where she attended school in Buffalo, Judith Gap and later in Lewistown.

She married Robert Phippen in 1945 and gave birth to her son Ronald on Jan. 8, 1946. She was later divorced and married Kenneth Casteel in Lewistown on Nov. 7, 1948. They had a daughter, Delores, on Jan. 16, 1950. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Three Forks where Clara May was a telephone operator for many years. In 1960, they moved to Great Falls and later to Aberdeen, S.D., where she worked in medical records at St. Luke Hospital. In 1970, they moved back to Montana, making their home in Deer Lodge, where they remained until the death of her husband of 47 years in September 1996. Clara May moved to Missoula in 1998 to be close to her daughter and grandchildren, living with her daughter and son-in-law the past 10 years of her life.

One of the most important events in her life was her dedication and baptism as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1960. She loved the Bible's promise of a paradise earth where God's original purpose for all mankind would finally be realized. Her hope and faith in the resurrection sustained her through all of life's trials including the final trial of death. She endured many health problems throughout her life, but always maintained her faith in the Bible's hope for the future. She did what she could to share that hope with others even when she became housebound.

Clara May's husband Kenneth was not only her partner in life but also her strength and her joy while he was alive, and she kept him close in her heart after his death. Clara May loved her grandchildren, Chris, Kristi and Josh; and was delighted with her first great-grandchild, Jarrett. She loved dancing with her husband, sewing and knitting until death took her dancing partner and old age took the others. She loved music and singing spiritual songs and continued to enjoy both until shortly before her death. She felt safe and content knowing she was loved and would be cared for by her family.

The greatest gift she gave her family was helping them to know their creator and heavenly father Jehovah, as well as her example of faith and loyalty in following the teachings of his son Christ Jesus. Her love for her family was constant.

She is survived by her son, Ron (Vicky) Casteel of Cottonwood, Calif.; her daughter, Dee (Forrest) Smith; her grandsons, Chris Hilzendeger and Josh (Bethany) Hilzendeger; her granddaughter, Kristi (John) Smith and great-grandson Jarrett Smith, all of Missoula. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Trumpower of Lewistown and Mabel Manning of Las Vegas; cousin, Gene Nelson of Missoula; nieces, Peggy Gore of Lewistown, Elsie Mohr of Bondurant, Iowa, and Beverly Manning of Chinook, Wash.; and nephews, Jim Trumpower of Washington and Lloyd Manning of Las Vegas. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and one niece, Helen.

Clara May was very grateful for the kindness, assistance and loving care from everyone at Partners in Home Care Hospice. Our family appreciates the services and help. A special thank you to all of Clara May's dear friends and spiritual family who helped her in her final years to know that she was loved and valued. It was a privilege to have her with us as long as we did. We look forward to seeing her again in the resurrection, young and healthy.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1115 S. Reserve St., in Missoula. There will be a reception at Ruby's Inn and Convention Center at 4825 N. Reserve St. following the memoral service.

Read Clara Casteel's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.