Obituary - Claire B. Zion

My name is Claire B. Zion, I was born in Great Falls, Montana, on Nov. 5, 1920, and I passed away Aug. 21, at 1:30 a.m., at Peace Hospice in the presence of my beloved daughters.

My mother and father, Clara (Woodward) and John Bohling, homesteaded north of Dutton, and I am thankful to have the farmland I inherited from them to this day. I met the love of my life, Forrest "Scotty" Zion of Choteau at an air show. He was so handsome and the dearest man in the world. We married in 1941, and had 69 wonderful years together; like any marriage we had our kerfluffles, but we loved each other and he was a great father to our children. My children, Sharron and Candi, tell me I was a terrific Mom and influenced them in so many ways. They tell me I was practical, kind, fun, loving, understanding, that I listened well, was independent, polite, strong, that I continually sacrificed for them and gave them the space needed to become who they are today.

I have many friends, and many friends to whom I have served as a mentor. It is my hope that what I have shared with them will help them through life. Many of my friends I have come to know well through Bible study. We talk sometimes about how I stir things up with my up-front thoughts and often colorful language.

I have always been a very independent person, My father died when I was 13 and Mother raised me on the farm. When I was a little older, we moved to California during the school year where I attended Colonial School in Long Beach, California. Their curriculum was steeped in the arts, music and the manner in becoming a proper lady. I was always mischievous, though, and remember calling out at a California playhouse, "Over here!" when the actor said, "Wherefore art thou?" We all were banned from that playhouse for a very long time.

I guess I have always had a little wildness, and a passion for life and fun. I loved to dress in beautiful clothes, I loved parties, and I loved being with friends and family.

My daughter tells me I have been an influential woman in many ways and reminded me of this the other day. She remembered that besides being a mom and wife, I was a consummate volunteer for many years. I suppose that is true - I was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, sat on school boards, and was a "Pink Lady" at the hospital. Later on, I became more interested in community planning and equal rights; especially for women. I sat on the City County Planning Board and the League of Women Voters. I also loved to donate to several worthy causes that ranged from helping children, veterans, the less fortunate, and firefighters to raising awareness in equality for everyone. My dearest works in life centered in the Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC) where I have been a member since the church's beginnings. Scotty and I were two of the original founders, holding services in the Lowell School, kitty-corner from our home at the time. We were lovingly involved in the building, additions, repairs and landscaping of the new CUMC on 9th Avenue South. On the day I went to hospice, my daughter drove me by the church so I could admire and see for the last time, my beloved church and "Scotty's trees."

I have been on this earth for 94 years and leave behind my precious family. I am so happy my legacy will be carried on through them. My daughters are Candi (Jeff Solomon), Sherry (Bernard) Burnett, and her lovely daughters, Jennifer and Cindy (Gary) White. Cindy gave me such wonderful gifts in the birth of her twin boys, Lucas and Jonathan, eight months ago. I was so fortunate and happy when Jennifer, Sherry, Cindy and Gary brought these beautiful baby boys to see me this spring. It was wonderful to see them; I loved being able to hold those babies in my arms. My life will be lived through them.

I had one sister, Laura; her daughter, Evelyn (Robert) LeSuer, and son John (Ruth) Frick, have since passed. Evelyn had a daughter, Sandy (John) Brett, and John's children are Herb (Corrine), Linda (Mark) Olson, and Mike (Cristy). They have many lovely children and grandchildren.

I made the decision to enter Peace Hospice and am so grateful to the staff for the loving care I received there.

My memorial service will be Sept. 2, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

I wrote this note the day I left for hospice, before I was carried by the hands of our Lord.

To those whom I have loved and to those who have loved me.

I wish you the very best.

Claire Zion