04/09/2026
Clara Mae Gerringa
"Clara Mae Bracken, born on January 16, 1934, passed away on April 4, 2026, surrounded by her family at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Ketchum, Idaho. Clara recently celebrated her 92nd Birthday. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing she is now free from pain and rejoicing with the Lord.
Clara was the middle child of Ralph and Helen Bracken and grew up in Billings, Montana. She attended Billings Senior High School, where she participated in various clubs and activities and made many lifelong memories.
After graduating, Clara began working for Mountain Bell as a switchboard operator. One of her favorite stories from that time was mischievously calling her older sister Dorothy while simultaneously calling the Yukon Bar—then connecting the two calls together. Clara never forgot the laughter that followed and loved sharing that story for years.
Clara’s life changed forever after being set up on a blind date, when she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Gerringa, at a dance in Shepherd, Montana. Shortly after their marriage, Bob was drafted into service with the U.S. Army. Together, they packed up their 1955 Chevy Bel Air and 30-foot Fleetwood trailer and headed west to Camp Hanford in Oregon, where Bob was stationed. During that time, Clara worked at a local bank while Bob served his country.
Following their service, Bob and Clara eagerly returned to Montana and settled in Billings, where they welcomed their first child, Michelle. In 1961, Bob accepted a job with Valley Motor Supply, and the family moved to Dillon, Montana, where they made their forever home. Two more children joined their family with the birth of Randy and Stephanie.
Clara was deeply involved in her community. She was very active in the Dillon Jaycees for many years, serving as President and receiving state and national awards. One of her greatest treasures from her time with the Jaycees was the lifelong friendships she made, many of which she still cherished and kept in contact with for more than 60 years.
Clara worked as an office manager for TCI Cablevision. When she was offered a new position that would require commuting daily to Butte, Clara chose instead to spend more time with her family, reflecting the priorities that guided her throughout her life.
Always social and full of energy, Clara kept herself busy as a Mary Kay consultant and as a dedicated member of several bridge clubs. While her kids could never keep track of her schedule, Clara always knew exactly where she was going and looked forward to every game. For many years, Clara was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was also active in the Dillon Shakespeare Club.
After Bob’s passing in 2003, Clara began volunteering with the Barrett Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, where she continued to serve her community while enjoying time with friends and familiar faces.
Though a series of falls and surgeries eventually slowed her down, Clara remained determined to stay active and continued playing bridge as often as possible. In 2018, her grandson Carter enrolled at the University of Montana Western and became Clara’s new roommate. Carter was a tremendous blessing, helping Clara while pursuing his degree.
After Carter’s graduation, Clara’s health declined to the point where she could no longer care for herself independently. She made the difficult decision to move into the Beehive Assisted Living facility. After a short stay, and with the desire to be closer to family, Clara relocated to Bellevue, Idaho, near her daughter Stephanie and family.
Clara quickly became a fan favorite at The Cove Assisted Living facility, where she enjoyed daily exercise classes, competing at trivia, watching her favorite game shows, and reality TV. She took great satisfaction in winning the daily Wordle competition with her children. When Clara turned 90, she celebrated with the largest cake you have ever seen and was completely surprised when her entire family showed up to celebrate with her. She was overwhelmed by the outpouring of calls, cards, and well wishes from all her friends.
Even through recent health challenges, Clara continued to face each day with a smile and a laugh that will never be forgotten.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Helen Bracken; her husband, Robert “Bob” Gerringa; her sister, Dorothy; and her brother, Raymond.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Devlin (Craig); son, Randy Gerringa (Helen); and daughter, Stephanie Gerringa (Gary). She is also survived by her grandchildren Gabbi, Baylie (Ryan), Carter, Karsyn, and Erin, Brother-in-Law Raymond Gerringa (Pat), and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
In honoring Clara’s wishes, graveside services will be held this summer in Dillon, Montana. Details will be announced later.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Cove Independent and Assisted Living facility for the love and care they provided. They would also like to thank Drs. Pendleton, Prouty, Kent, and the entire staff at St. Luke’s Hospital for their gracious and compassionate care during Clara’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Clara’s name to the Dillon Jaycees, Barrett Hospital Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, or St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation in Ketchum, Idaho."
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