Clarie N. Lehnen

Clarie N. Lehnen, age 85, a longtime resident of Billings, passed away on March 17, 2016. She was surrounded by her husband of 65 years, Myron, and two loving sons, Darrell and Dean. She passed away at Billings Clinic after a long illness.

Clarie was born July 29, 1929, at her parent's family farm near St. Phillips, Mont. She was the sixth of nine children born to Joseph and Irene Podolski. She spent her childhood in the St. Phillips area and graduated from Wibaux High School. After graduating from high school, she attended a cosmetology school in Illinois. While in Illinois, she met the love of her life, Albert Myron Lehnen, who was stationed at Ft. Sheridan, Ill. After he was discharged from the military, they returned to Montana, marrying and settling in Billings. She worked the next 35 years at Mountain Bell, retiring in 1986.

Clarie and Myron were blessed with three sons. They raised their family in a lovely house on Patton Avenue. She loved being a mother and was very involved with her sons' education and activities. She was an avid card player, Bunko player, bowler and golfer, as well as being a great cook. They retired in a cottage at Aspen View.

Clarie was preceded in death by her oldest son, Douglas and his wife Karen; brothers Tom, Ernest (Bunnie) and George Podolski; and sisters Marie Nix and Agnes Maus. She is survived by husband Myron; sons Darrell (Pam) and Dean (Kim); sisters Regina Terrazas, Ester Schmeling and Dorothy Frank. She is also survived by her grandchildren Amber (Paul), Rachel (Travis), Bryan (Vanessa), Nichole, Jeremy (Stephanie), Jillian, Brock and Bryce, as well as great-grandchildren Adrianna, Mercedez and Ryland.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 28, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.