Cover photo for Violet R. Klette's Obituary
1921 Violet 2020

Violet R. Klette

October 2, 1921 — January 26, 2020

Conrad

Violet Rosalie (Beard) Klette, 98, of Conrad, passed away January 26, 2020.

Funeral Services will be held at Pondera Valley Lutheran Church on Friday, January 31, at 11:00 AM followed by a luncheon at the church.  Burial will be in Dutton Cemetery.

Violet was the fourth child of William and Eva Beard.  She was born on October 2, 1921 in Bynum, Montana.  The twenties were hard times.  They would make Violet the person she became.  Her family moved several times, following work.  Eventually settling in Conrad, where Violet completed the 8th grade.  She then had to begin work herself while continuing to take care of her younger brothers and sister.  At this young age, she worked at the pea factory then the dime store.  In 1946 she wrote and published a song “I’m All Alone”.  Her song describes a partner to share life’s path, a best friend for joys, sorrows and blessing which would come.

On March 16, 1948 Violet would marry her partner, Melvin Klette.  They were married 49 years and 10 months.  Her dream of her own family would be fulfilled with her two sons.

Violet excelled at being a farm wife.  Born during the depression, she knew struggles and would carry that frugalness throughout her entire life.  There was never a word of complaint.  Her huge garden would provide food for the entire year.  Her flowers were a sight to be seen.  She canned, froze and made use of everything.  She tended her chickens every day along with her other numerous chores.  There were never store-bought bread or goodies.  Everything was homemade.  Even clothing and toys, she could crochet anything.  Her Christmas tree angels and garland will always be a family tradition.  One special baby/teddy was her great-granddaughters prized possession.  When this baby was tattered and beyond her repair, she painstakingly made a replica.   She loved guests and would always be ready with coffee and her homemade treats.  Sunday’s were family day.  A large family dinner would be followed by family time.  A trip to the river or maybe just relaxing in the yard, were her favorites.  For dinner we would all ask for her Lefse.  A favorite dessert was her angel food cake topped with her special lemon sauce.  Many times, we tried to make her prized apple butter but it was never quite the same even with her recipe.  When she finally would take time for herself, you could find her working on a puzzle or reading.  Everyday she completed the crossword puzzle in the Tribune.  She was an active member of the Collins Community.  A small community like Collins was very active at its town hall.  Many of our family memories are the harvest dinners and card parties.  You knew if she bid over 350, her pinochle hand was amazing.

She is survived by two sons, David (Yvonne) Klette and Darrel (Mae) Klette; two grandchildren, James (Kimberly) Klette and Tonya (Dale) Breding; four great-grandchildren, Jade (Brandon) Bliss, Alec Breding, Aiden and Mackenzie Klette; great-great granddaughter, Sadie Bliss; sister, Nettie Klette; brother, Donald (Patty) Beard; sisters-in-law; Shirley Klette and Karen Beard; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be made to the Pondera Medical Center Extended Care or the Pondera Valley Lutheran Church.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Violet R. Klette, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Friday, January 31, 2020

Starts at 11:00 am (Mountain time)

Pondera Valley Lutheran Church

518 South Delaware St., Conrad, MT 59425

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