Clarice Crane

Clarice Carol Crane peacefully left us on May 7th, 2008. Clarice was born on December 21st, 1932 to Charles and Gracie Smith in Willow Creek, Montana. Much of her childhood was spent in Montana, including Butte and Virginia City. Clarice was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Karen Jean Craig, her son Newton Laverne Crane, and grandson Joshua Vernon Miller. She is survived by two sisters, JoAnn Barto of Oklahoma and Carma Jean Meninger and family of Butte; a brother Jack Smith and wife Linda of Mesa, AZ; her son Smiley Crane of Hawaii; and three daughters, Kelly Burkhart of Bozeman, Laurie Armstrong of Oregon, Kathy Montgomery of Washington, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and beloved friend and confidant of many years Nancy Dodd of Missoula. Clarice is also survived by her ex-husband and father of her children Marvin Crane and his wife Hazel of Bozeman, who with her family remained always caring and compassionate to Clarice. Clarice#8217;s final years were spent being cared for by the loving staff at Mountain View Care Center, as well as the special Dr. Kathryn Borgenicht and Dr. Jamie Eschler. Mom, as you passed, we know that with you did not go the fear, the pain, nor the torment. We will love you and miss you forever. We will listen for your voice in the songs of the birds. Good night and God Bless. Enlightened through your life and love, your grateful daughters, Kelly, Laurie, and Kathy. It was Clarice#8217;s wish to give her body to the WWAMI medical program. A private family gathering will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bozeman Help Center, 421 E. Peach St, Bozeman, MT 59715.