Clarice Undhjem Walters

Clarice Undhjem Walters, 86, died peacefully on June 22 in Bozeman.

Clarice was born and raised in Plentywood, Montana where her father owned the Plentywood Drugstore. She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN majoring in Education. She taught for two years in Perham, MN before moving to Great Falls to teach at Great Falls High School. There she met her husband Donald in 1951 and had two daughters, Kristen and Heidi.

Clarice had a very active life. She hosted a Norwegian high school exchange student for one year. She and Don were active skiers in the area and did cross country skiing in Yellowstone Park. Both of her daughters Kristen Lee and Heidi were skiing with the family before they could walk.

Clarice was an active member in AAUW, Delta Kappa, and the Lutheran Church. In 1968, she and Don began teaching at Western Montana College in Dillon. During the following summer, they earned their masters degrees at Montana State University.

After managing the college bookstore for several years, she started an office supply store in Dillon called The Secretary. Clarice was active in Dillon’s Sons of Norway group and the American Legion Auxiliary. She also received the Lions Club Fellowship Award and the AARP Andrus Award for community service.

Upon retiring in 1989, she moved to Bozeman where she became very active in the Retired Teachers Assoc. She became the state director of the Montana Retired Educators Association for several years. She traveled the country to various national conventions and recruited for AARP, the Retired Teachers Assoc., and was active at the Belgrade Senior Center.

Her friends were fascinated by her interesting purse collection that she enjoyed. She was a good wife and mother and a very special mom and proud Norwegian.

Thanks to all her friends for the visits and cards. Many thanks to Bozeman Deaconess Hospice and Pastor Grant and to Mountain View Care Center staff. Memorials may be made to Big Sky Retired Teachers Scholarship at 7380 S. 19th Bozeman.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ada Lillian Hanson and Clarence M. Undhjem. Survivors include her husband Donald and two daughters.

There will be a family graveside burial 10am Sat June 27. A memorial will follow at 11am at Christ the King Lutheran Church located at 4383 Durston Road in Bozeman.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dahlcares.com