Iris Kline

Iris Kline, 80, of Billings, passed away on March 4, 2017. She was born on Sept. 2, 1936, to Al and Margret Grensten. Iris grew up and attended school in Judith Gap, along with her two brothers, Allen and Earl Cunnington; and one sister, Sherri Perry.

After high school, she attended business school in Billings, where she met Vernon Kline on a blind date in 1955. They were married three months later.

Vern and Iris farmed north of Hardin with Vern's parents, John and Madge Kline, for 10 years. They purchased the TraveLodge Motel in Billings, where they resided and worked until retiring.

Iris was very creative and an amazing cook. She created wonderful holiday meals for all the extended family, and she worked hard to make all holidays special for her husband and children. Her passion was collecting antique dolls, silver and oriental artifacts. She also loved to play cards. After retiring, Vern and Iris enjoyed traveling in their fifth wheel and wintering in Las Vegas.

She was preceded in death by her husband Vern and sister Sherri Perry.

She is survived by her two children, John Kline (Man Tzu) of Las Vegas and Laverne Kline Royer (Bill); and her two grandchildren, Blake Thompson of Seattle and Jackson Royer of Billings; brothers Allen Cunnington (Trish) and Earl Cunnington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A small family end-of-life celebration is planned for a later date. Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at Mountview Cemetery.

Donations to Big Brothers and Sisters, CASA and Hospice are welcomed.