Meredith Galen Clearman passed away peacefully on June 24th, 2025 with her three daughters by her side. She had just celebrated her 93rd birthday.

Meredith, fondly known as Galen or Gramma to most, was born to Neal and Irene Tuttle on June 21st, 1932. She was preceded in death by her brothers Charles and Jim and sisters, Linda, Billie and Elsie. Her sister Vida LuAnn resides in Colorado.

She was married to Richard Clearman for 70 years, and was preceded by Richard in death the previous year in April of 2024. Galen and Richard had three daughters, Meredith Howard, Robin Hamilton and Shelly Blank.

She spent many years as a co-laborer alongside Richard as he completed school and served in Vietnam as well as 18 different duty stations in the United States Army.

She was a gifted seamstress, constructing many wedding, bridesmaid and prom dresses, as well as comfortable flannel pajamas and delightful and ornately decorated dresses for her children and grandchildren alike.

She worked at the telephone company in Helena, Montana and the hospital in Basin, Wyoming where she was born. She served her husband, family and church over the course of her lifetime.

She was constantly busy creating new treasures for the home as well as serving grandchildren her own special version of "coffee" (mostly sugar and cream), caring for her "chickens", collections of bears and owls, as well as ceramics and household plants. She had a true "green thumb" and could make anything grow. She could often be found drawing "monkey faces" on each grandchild's knees. Her hands were always busy. Her voice was always encouraging. Her tone was one of humor, spunk and laughter. She was always ready to share a story from her life, a lap or shoulder to cry on, or a hug for anyone in need.

She will be genuinely missed, but she truly looked forward to entering Heaven and the reunion with her loved ones.

Survivors include:

Meredith and Glenn Howard of Missoula, Montana, and their sons and families; Jason and Shelley Howard, Jax Howard, and CJ Howard, and Jake and Savannah Howard.

Ben and Hillary Howard, and their daughter Faith Howard.

Robin Hamilton of Missoula, Montana and her daughters; Hylarie and Dustin Lerette and their sons, Derrick, Wyatt, Henry and Vinny and Emily and Jared Cambridge and their children, Morgan and Mia.

Shelly and Russ Blank of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and their children and families; Austin and Alyssa Blank, Kadie and Kirk Delmas and their son, Charles, and Philip Blank and his daughters, Elena and Kaliyah. Meredith is preceded in death by Philip's wife, Ebony Blank.

Galen's large family adored her and will continue to miss her and cherish their many memories of her tender love. She was passionate about her family and spent many years cultivating special relationships with each person.

The Service will be held on Saturday, July 12th, at 11:00 am at the Missoula Church of the Nazarene, in Missoula, Montana