Lillian Marie Clemens

Lillian Marie (Olson) Clemens grew up on a farm that her grandparents from Sweden had homesteaded in McPherson, Kansas. She lived with her parents Emil and Eda Olson, and her brother Rodney. Music was a big part of Lillian’s life. She started playing piano at age 5 and violin at age 10. Lillian graduated from McPherson High School at age 16 and was employed by a law firm for 3 years, then worked as secretary to the president of a flour mill for 8 years. She was very active in the local “Business and Professional Women’s Organization.” In the 1940’s, Lillian sang with the USO to entertain the local troops. She played violin for many performances of Handel’s Messiah with Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. Throughout the years she belonged to many choirs. On February 25, 1950, Lillian married Milton Alan Clemens in McPherson, Kansas. Three children, Grant, Gail and Georgia, were born there. Milton’s job with Farmer’s Alliance Insurance Co. moved the family to Colorado, where their son Greg was born. They moved to Bozeman, Montana in 1989. The happy couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a cruise through the Panama Canal. Milton passed away in 2001. Lillian was initiated into P.E.O. in 1964. She remained an active member throughout her life. Lillian was also a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Bozeman Antique Auto Club and other organizations in Bozeman. Her children visited her frequently and she travelled to their homes many times and loved the time spent with all of her family. Survivors are children Grant Clemens of Belgrade, MT; Gail (Larry) Mayer of Stephens City, VA; Georgia (Joe) Dray of Hansville, WA; and Greg Clemens of Tustin, CA, along with seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on August 25, 2012 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made in her name to Hospice c/o Bozeman Deaconess Foundation, 931 Highland Blvd., Suite 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715.