Charlotte R. (Whitney) Hovde

Charlotte R. Hovde passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, January 12, 2023, at Logan Health Center in Conrad, MT where she has resided since October of 2022.

Public visitation will begin at 6:30 PM, January 19th with Vigil following at 7:00 PM at Asper Funeral Home, Conrad MT.  Funeral Mass will be Friday, 10:00 AM at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Conrad, MT.  She will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery, next to her beloved husband Bob.  A luncheon will follow burial at St Michael’s Catholic Church.

Charlotte was born on March 12, 1934 in Ft Benton, MT, the youngest of 4 girls to Charles and Rachel Whitney.  Her family moved to Conrad when she was 4 years old and had lived most of her life in Conrad.   She graduated from Conrad High School in 1952.  She married Robert “Bob” Hovde on November 21, 1953. Living in Conrad they began their family and she became a full time home maker with Janet, Susan and Craig.  In 1960 they moved to Big Sandy, MT as Bob began working for Orlo Underdahl and welcomed Sandra to their growing family. The winds moved them again to Dupuyer, MT where Bob worked for Scoop Salansky and Brad was born.  They resided on the Salansky ranch until after the flood of 1964.  Bob and Char moved again back to Big Sandy where Bob worked for the IX Ranch and they welcomed Lanette in 1966. The opportunity came for them and they made another move back to Conrad, MT where they settled onto the Hovde family farm and ranching with Rib Gustafson.  They welcomed Cheryl in 1972 and resided there until 2006 when they moved into town.  After Bob passed away she moved to Blue Sky Villa and lived until recently in October, 2022. Due to health reasons she transitioned to Logan Health Center under Hospice Care.

After the nest began to empty, Charlotte began her working career with Pondera County Council on Aging, Home Health and Hospice from 1977 to 1989.  During that time she also worked as Administrative Secretary at the Horizon Lodge.  She retired in 1995.

Charlotte was an active member of St Michael’s Catholic Church, Conrad Quilting Guild, Soroptimist Club and was on the board at the Conrad Museum.  She loved to travel with her family and visit her children and grandchildren.  Charlotte was most interested in needle work and knitting.  She soon became known as the Christmas stocking “go to”.   A special tradition and talent for Charlotte’s family was her love of quilting. She has gifted each of her children and grandchildren a handmade quilt and Christmas stocking.  At this time every grandchild and great-grandchild has a keepsake baby quilt and stocking lovingly hand made by her.

Charlotte was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Rachel Whitney; sisters, Ruth Corbally, Helene Ellis, and Virginia Robinson; husband, Robert “Bob” Hovde; and granddaughter, Renae Bowers.

Charlotte is survived by her seven children, Janet (Dave) Dart of Valier and families, Neil Dart of Hawaii and Meadow, Wes (Heidi) Dart of Washington; Susan (Bob) Kovatch of Valier and families, Rob (Julie) Kovatch of Astoria, OR, Ryan Kovatch of Altamont, NY, Lincoln & Charlotte, and Jason Bowers of Valier, Aubrey, Ashlee and Adi; Craig (Deb) Hovde, Robertson, WY and children, Rachel  & Justin of Casper, WY; Sandra (Jim) Ehrmantrout of  Coeur d’Alene, ID and family Natalie (Johhny) Mathenia of Coeur d’Alene, ID; Brad (Tina) Hovde of Spokane, WA and children, Ryley  & Savannah of Spokane, WA; Lanette (Randy) Billingsley of Millry, AL and families, Josh (Lanna) Billingsley of Sierra Vista, AZ, Evelyn & Justin, Ben (Liz) Billingsley of Colorado Springs, CO, Aubrey & Savannah,  Zach (Abby) Billingsley of Monkton, MD and Charlotte; Cheryl (Lee) Wagner of Billings and children, Tyler & Kyle of Billings; lifetime best friend, Pearl Severtson; numerous nieces and nephews.

Charlotte will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.  She touched so many with her kindness and smile.