Cliela F. Presnell

It is with great sadness that the family of Cliela F. Presnell announces her passing on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at Glacier Care Center, at the age of 95 years young.

Cliela was born in Ethridge, MT to John and Guri “Gina” (Boe) Flaget on July 25, 1923. She graduated from Cut Bank High School and continued to reside in Cut Bank until her passing. Cut Bank is also where she met her husband of 53 years, Donald Presnell Sr. whom she married on December 23, 1946 in Kalispell. Their first son Don was born in Kalispell in 1947. Shortly after Dons’ birth they decided to move back to Cut Bank where in 1949 their second son Jack was born. Cliela was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who was very much devoted to her family.  The light of her life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she spoiled any chance she could get. She was a very strong and independent woman, who proved this by living in her home until two months before her passing. Her last two months were spent keeping all of her nurses and doctors on their toes with her quick wit and smart humor.

Cliela worked for JCPennys in Cut Bank but spent most of her years as a homemaker and helping her husband by being the bookkeeper for his construction business. In her younger years you could find her in her garden or planting flowers but if the weather was not cooperating, you could find her indoors crocheting, knitting, reading and baking cakes for numerous special occasions. In her later years her table was consumed by puzzle after puzzle that family would stop by to help put in a piece or two. She loved and looked forward to when the great-grandchildren stopped by to visit and always had her arms stretched out for a hug and she wouldn’t let anyone go until she had a chance to tell them how much she loved them.

Cliela was active in the Cut Bank Saddle Club and VFW Auxiliary and was also a member of the Presbyterian Mariners. She spent many summers with Don traveling all over Montana with their race horses and acquired many cherished friendships from their racing endeavors.

She is survived by her son Don (Vicki) Presnell of Cut bank, daughter-in-law Kyla Presnell of Cut Bank, grandchildren Doni (Eric) Presnell-Rice of Cut Bank, Scott Presnell  (Sarah Kapp) of Cut Bank, great -grandchildren Erica Rice, Kohelbi Rice, MacKinzie Wilson, Shawn Presnell, Kinzi Eads, Jackson Presnell, sisters Elsie Ward of Idaho, Jennie Maston of Cut Bank, Mary (Howard) Leonard of Idaho,  brother Carl (Harriet) Flaget of Kalispell and two very, very special people in her life Carole Shook and Denise Matz.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Gina Flaget, husband Donald Presnell, son Jack Presnell, grandson Joseph Presnell, brothers Olaf “Ole” Flaget, Johnnie Flaget, sisters Mollie Gibson, Helen Johnson and Josie Brekke.

A Celebration of Cliela’s life will be held at 10:30 am, on Wednesday, December 5th, at the First Presbyterian Church in Cut Bank with Pastor Ric Beals officiating, a burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.  After burial everyone is invited to a luncheon at the Moose Lodge.

Memorial donations in memory of Cliela can be made to the Cut Bank Animal Shelter or the Shriners Hospital for Children.