Claire D Massey

Claire D. Massey, 81, of Hot Springs, Montana passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022.  Claire was born on June 21, 1940 in Whitehall, Montana.  Her loving parents, Howard and Ruth Buck, expanded the family with two more daughters, Kathy and Donna, who Claire loved on, doted on, and mothered at their family home in Hot Springs.  Claire graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1958.  She completed beauty school in Spokane and went on to practice her trade in Columbia Falls, MT.  Claire married Dale Anderson and together they moved around western Montana before settling in Alberton where Claire owned a ceramic shop. Together they had four wonderful children:  Tim, Mark, Elizabeth, and Michael.

Claire moved back to Hot Springs in 1980 and began her new career as the Activities Director of the Hot Springs Convalescent Center.  Claire devoted many hours to the care of the residents at the center.  She loved her job and every birthday, holiday, or special occasion was celebrated with great fanfare for the residents. Claire was a staunch advocate for her residents and made it clear to anyone listening that they were important.  Claire also spent many years volunteering with the Hot Springs Ambulance.

In 1988, Claire married Bill Massey.  Together they melded their two families into one at their home in Hot Springs. The new family home was the “epicenter” for activities that ranged from playing in the creek to hosting weddings and everything in between.  Claire and Bill spent many years remodeling the “shack” and making their yard the envy of the neighborhood.  Claire truly had a green thumb and spent many hours digging in the dirt and fighting with the deer in her beautiful yard.

Claire not only enjoyed gardening but also camping at Big Arm, fishing in Alaska, knitting and crocheting gifts for her family, cooking delectable dishes to share with all, and making her delicious jams and jellies (especially grape).  However, Claire’s favorite pastimes were taking wonderful care of her husband Bill and talking about the many accomplishments and achievements of their eight children, twenty-one grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

Claire was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Ruth, and stepson Darrell Massey. She is survived by her husband of 34 years Bill Massey, sisters Kathy Andrews (Colin) and Donna Andrews (Steve), sons Tim Anderson (Alice), Mark Anderson (Velvet), Michael Anderson (Deana), Chris Massey (Cheri), Rob Massey, daughter-in-law Roe Massey (Darrell), daughters Elizabeth Anderson Remington and Ginny Massey Holland (Jim).

A celebration of Claire’s life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations, in Claire’s name, be made to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital at www.stjude.org (click on the Donate Now tab).

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