Helen J. (Stovall) Clark
On
October 7, 2009, at the age of 87,our beloved and special
mother honey, grandma, and great- grandmother went home to be with
our Lord.. By some great-grandchildren, she was known simply as Booka-Baga. Anyone that knew our morn, knows that she is helping
with all the little children in Heaven with her caring hands.
She was born Helen Janich on August 1, 1922 in the Bull Mountains at
her family home. Her parents were Peter and Helen Janich of
Yugoslavian decent, coming from the old country, which mom was very
proud of. Mom was one of eleven children, going to a country school
and later graduating from Klein High School as Valedictorian in
1941. Helen married Lester George Stovall on May 29th, 1943. To this
union of 36 years, 6 children were born.
Our angel spent the early years raising her children, cooking for
ranch-hands, and racing horses. She lived in Musselshell and Custer,
Montana and various ranches throughout Southeastern, Montana. Later,
she moved with her family to Troy, Montana. While there, mom
continued to be a stay at home mom, caring not only for her own, but
all the neighbor children as well. As her children grew older, mom
went to work at the IGA in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
In 1977, mom moved to Billings to be closer to her older children, attending Billings Business College where she graduated at the top of her class. Mom worked for Globe Life Insurance as office manager for twelve years. During this time, she met and married Kenneth Clark, spending a lot of time traveling and sightseeing. Mom was always up for a game of pinochle, going out dancing, talking with family and friends over a cup of coffee and sharing a good joke or two. A country girl at heart, she loved fishing, going to brandings, rodeos and viewing the beautiful Montana landscape while going on drives. Mom was a life-long supporter of the democratic party. As a Denver Bronco fan, she watched every game she could. She faced hardships with dignity, grace and forgiveness. She was a member of good- standing with Eastern Stars, Chapter 91, of Musselshell for 50 plus years being a past Worthy Matron. Mom enjoyed the fellowship and friendship very much that she received from Eastern Stars. She loved spending time with her children, but most of all, she loved watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up as they were her pride and joy.
She was proceeded in death by her husbands; her parents; nine siblings, Mike, Steve, Amelia, George, Mary, Emil, Peter, Nick, and Annie; and her son Justin.
Mom is survived by two sons, Tobin Stovall, of Palmer, Alaska and
Gilbert Stovall, of Moyie Springs, Idaho; three daughters, Cheryl
(Blaine) Purington, Alta (Jack) Gallagher, both of Billings, and
Rhea (Spencer) Kehler of Fort Smith; her grandchildren, Jodie
Stovall, Jennifer Gauger, Ben Stovall, Nadine Purington, Erika
Willis, Sharesse Edwards, Ryan Stovall, Ethan Stovall, Levi Kinn,
LaRiesha Hagel, and Madison Kehler. In addition, mom had eleven
great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jessica, Destiny, Cambria, Garret,
Skyler, Justin, Alexis, Eduun, Latten and Landin; her sister Laura
Harris; sister-in-law and best friend of 75 years, Alberta Janich;
as well as “strena” (Aunt) to numerous nieces and nephews.
Furthermore, she had many cousins and friends, all considered to be
her "favorites".
We will miss your virtuous ways, compassion for others, love of
children and your never-ending love for all.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held at
10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 13, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. A
reception will follow at the Masonic Center on 1101 Broadwater
Avenue.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Rocky Mountain Hospice or Eagle Cliff Manor.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
To Helen’s
Family, I want to express my sympathy for the loss of a great mom
and person. It has been many years since I have seen Helen,
but I remember her as one of the kindest & gentlest people that I
ever knew. Your family neighbored my family for a while, when
Toby & I were lower grade kids, he had a goat he would hook up to
some kind of a cart or wagon. I think your family lived on the
Strang place by Musselshell in our upper grades of school. I went
most all of twelve years of school with Toby and remember Cheryl,
but don’t believe I knew the younger ones. Anyhow, I want you
all to know that I am sorry to hear of Helen’s passing, and have
great memories of you and your family.
It seems only the
most beautiful of flowers are picked from God’s garden. Helen
was a great lady!
Sincerely,
Susie (Walker) Harmon
Bainville, Montana
The Stovall/Clark Families
My thoughts and prayers are with you. A very Precious woman has been taken form us on earth, but she will be forever in our hearts. I always enjoyed visiting with Helen. She was a pleasure to be around. Helen will not be forgotten. We all have our memories, cherish them always. We will be united again. God Bless
Denise(Turley)Gilfeather (Shepherd, MT)