Clorene Michel

Clorene Michel, 78, of Great Falls, Mont., died Nov. 13, 2013, at a local hospital.

She was born March 4, 1935, in Seattle, to Robert and Nellie Calvert. She was raised on a farm and educated in Enumclaw. She married Arlo D. Michel at the Hitching Post in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In 1963, they moved from Washington when her husband’s career took them to several cities in the country, until he was transferred to Great Falls in 1971. Through the years, she worked as a passenger elevator operator, school bus driver for 20 years and was a mother and caregiver. She also was a proud member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.

She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed sewing, quilting, and traveling with her sister, Sharon. She loved spending the holidays with her family and was known for thoroughly documenting those events.

She is survived by husband Arlo D. Michel of Great Falls; sons Brent W. Michel and wife Kelly of Great Falls and Bradley R. Michel and wife Rachael of Kennewick, Wash; brothers Kenneth Calvert and wife Nancy and Gary Calvert and wife Carole, all of Auburn, Wash; three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by sisters Patsy Wilson and Sharon Brassard and brothers Richard, Larry, and Gordon Calvert.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel in Great Falls. Inurnment will take place at Enumclaw Evergreen Memorial Park at a later date. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Memorials in her name may be made to the Benefits Foundation Angel Fund, P.O. Box 7008, Great Falls, Mont., 59406-7008.