Rose Margaret (Felts) McClanahan

Rose McClanahan, 86, from Cut Bank died at Northern Rockies Medical Center on December 11, 2013 of natural causes.  Survivors include her daughters, Linda (Ronald) Dempsey of Cut Bank and Vivian (John) Kito of Anchorage, AK; grandson, Ralph Dempsey of Cut Bank; granddaughter, Angela (Todd) Feinstein of Austin, TX; and great- grandchildren, Alex, Zoe, Chole, and Makenna Dempsey and Max and Ava Feinstein.  Also surviving Rose is her sister, Marjorie Felts, and brothers, Wayne and Gerald Felts.  Rose was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; granddaughter, Elizabeth Dempsey; and three brothers Art, James and Gene Felts.

Born to Arthur and Dorothy (McDaniels) Felts on May 17, 1927, Rose grew up in Battle Ground, Washington.  She moved to Montana in 1945 and later met and married Bill McClanahan.  Bill was a farmer north of Cut Bank.  Sharing a love for Montana, Rose and Bill spent time taking horseback trips into the Rockies, camping and fishing with their daughters, and generally exploring Montana when farm duties allowed.  Rose was a great campfire cook, pleasing everyone’s appetite with everything from fresh fried fish to double layer cake baked in campfire coals.

Bill passed away in December 1968.  After his death, Rose went to work for Glacier Motors.  She spent 21 years there working as a bookkeeper.  After her retirement, Rose spent her time pursuing her favorite things; she was a talented seamstress and artist and loved nature.  She taught her granddaughter how to sew and her grandson a love of the great outdoors.  She was an avid reader and had an extensive library which she shared with others.

Rose was a past member of the Order of Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary, a former Girl Scout leader, and a valued volunteer for the Crippled Children’s Clinic headed by Dr Tom Powers.

Per Rose’s request no funeral services will be held.  The family will gather at a later date to celebrate her life.  Donations in memory of Rose may be made to Shodair Children’s Hospital, 2755 Colonial Dr, Helena MT 59604, or a charity of the donor’s choice.