Clettis F. Orthman

 April 16, 1923 - September 23, 2012

Clettis F. Orthman of Billings passed away September 23 after a short illness.  He was 89.

Clettis was born to Carl and Mabel Orthman in Billings on April 16, 1923. He was the 5th of 6 siblings – Boyd, Esther, Beulah, Carl, Clettis and Audrey.

He grew up in the Hysham and Billings areas, graduating from Hysham High School in 1942. As a young man, Clettis worked as a farmer, carpenter and mechanic in Yellowstone and Treasure counties, becoming a farm equipment mechanic in Billings in the early 1960’s until his retirement from Pape Equipment in 1985.

Clettis married Isabelle Milne in 1963. They enjoyed traveling, gardening and sharing each other’s company. They spent much of the winter in Arizona, RV-ing with friends and family.

Clettis enjoyed wood carving and was an active member of the Montana Wood Carvers Association. He took great joy in helping with the Festival of Trees event where the carvers produced and donated a Christmas tree adorned with hand-carved ornaments to the event.

Clettis was a great friend and neighbor to many in the Billings area over the years, helping out with household projects from the simple to the complex. His kindness, sense of humor, work ethic and get-it-done approach will be  missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and Isabelle. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service was held 11:00 A. M. Saturday September 29th at Smith West  Chapel  304 34th St. West.  Interment was in Terrace Gardens Cemetery at 2:00 P. M. Print this post