Clara Ann Volesky

Clara Ann Volesky, 94, died peacefully at her home on Jan. 8, 2023 from natural causes, surrounded by her family. Clara Ann Buresh was born in Dickinson, North Dakota on Oct. 27, 1928.

She was the youngest of eight children born to Frank and Barbara (Marsh) Buresh. Clara spent her childhood living on the family farm northeast of Belfield, North Dakota. She graduated from Model High School in Dickinson.

Clara married the love of her life, Robert J. Volesky on Oct. 6, 1947 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson.

They moved to the “Schwindt” farm north of Dickinson, where they resided until the farm was destroyed by a tornado. Then they moved to the Buresh family farm and raised their eight children there.

Bob and Clara worked hard all their life to provide for their family and Mom was the heart of the home. She was a great homemaker. She loved to have company and was a wonderful cook and baker. She was well known for her poppy seed kolache, caramel rolls, other breads and many other Czech recipes.

Clara taught many family members and friends how to make “hooch”. She loved attending the homemaker’s group with the neighborhood ladies, doing crafts, quilting, sewing and crocheting. She was an avid gardener and loved to grow flowers, especially roses and lilies. Clara loved putting together jigsaw puzzles.

Her favorite pastime was playing cards – and winning!

When Bob’s health declined after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, they moved off the farm in 1981 and moved to Columbia Falls, fulfilling a dream of living in the mountains. Later they moved to Billings and finally Helena in 1998. She became Bob’s dedicated caretaker along with their youngest daughter, Denice until his death in 2005, after 58 years of marriage.

After Bob’s death, Denice continued to live with Clara.

They had many years together traveling, cooking, entertaining, gardening, and living a life of faith and devotion to God. As Clara’s health began to decline, Denice never wavered in her devotion to her mom.

They were the best of friends, partners in mischief, and a beautiful example of what it means to live a selfless, Christian life. We, as Clara’s family, are forever grateful for our sister, Denice. The family would also like to thank Stacey for her devoted love and care for Mom. Without her help, we could not have kept Mom at home all these years.

We are forever grateful. We will miss Mom dearly, but Clara has truly earned her heavenly reward, and we raise our glasses of hooch in her sweet memory as we say, “Until we meet again!”

We love you, Mom.

Clara is preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, brothers Bill and Genevieve, Tony and Gertrude, Frank, Josie and Catherine; sisters Vicki and Laudie Pirkl, Cecilia and Harold Black, Emma and Willard Jaeger, Rose and Henry Sadowsky; in-laws Charles and Pat Volesky, Ella and Robert Sadowsky, Dorothy and Herman Hauck; Edwin Volesky, Bill Volesky, Betty Jane Volesky, Linda Volesky and Marian and Ray Froelich.

She is survived by her eight children; Marvin (Nancy), Carol (Jeff) Butsch, Annette (Tom) Goicoechea, Marian (Howie) Ficek, Jeff (Ida), Kathy (Steve) Ilse, Denice and Doug (Joannie). 24 Grandchildren, 38 Great Grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; her in-laws Irene Volesky, Marcia Volesky, Tony and Bev Volesky, Alfred and Cele Volesky, Ben Weigel, Frank and Sue Volesky, Bridget and Tom Glaser and Joe Volesky.

Viewing was Friday, January 13, 2023; a rosary was prayed and the funeral Mass was at noon at SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. A luncheon followed at Anderson Stevenson Funeral Home in Helena. Burial followed at Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Ft. Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SS. Cyril & Methodius Renovation Fund, PO Box 1110, East Helena, MT 59635.