Clara Wong

Clara Wong, 87, of Billings died at home on December 21, 2006, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 12, 1919, to John Louis and Marie Katherine Leichner in Tacoma, Washington. In 1928 she and her family moved to Billings, Montana from Tacoma because her father got a job as a machinist for the state highway department. She attended Shiloh and Garfield Elementary Schools and Billings High School.

Clara married Billy Wong on September 15, 1943 in Seattle, Washington. Together they owned and operated several businesses; the American Café, OK Café, Brown Jug Tavern, Billings Rooms, Chinese Gardens and the Standard Bar. Clara had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She loved people and people loved her. She will be remembered as a superb mom and gramma, a good friend and a lover of bingo and keno.

Clara is preceded in death by her husband Billy, who died July 1, 1993. She is also preceded in death by 12 siblings; Carl Lightner, Alex Leichner, Polly Robinson, Mary Willson, Victor Leichner, Johnny Leichner, Molly Campbell, Wally Leichner, Elsie Schadewald, Tina Schmidt, Freddy Leichner, and Billy Leichner.

Clara is survived by her children Deanna Wong of Billings, William Wong of Billings, Laurie (Ron) Robinson of Billings, and Cindy (Fred) Grider of Dash Point, WA. She is also survived by grandchildren William Wong, Jr., Christopher Wong, Wendy Wong, Tami Matson, and Travis Grider; 5 great-grandchildren; and her sister Betty Fanucchi.

Funeral Services for Clara will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 26^th at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Interment will follow at Mountview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday and prior to the service on Tuesday at Michelottti-Sawyers Mortuary.

Memorials are preferred to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 2110 Overland Ave, Suite 111, Billings, MT 59102