Georgiann S. Clark

Georgiann Strange Dayton Clark, 86, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on April 12, 2021.  She was surrounded by her three children and her beloved husband, Stephen. She was born November 14, 1934, in Missoula, Montana, to Morris and Helen Swanson Strange and grew up on a cattle ranch on Willoughby Lane south of Stevensville.

She graduated from Stevensville High School in 1952 and attended one year at the University of Montana, before coming home to marry the handsome dairy farmer down the road.  She and Wayne Dayton married in 1953 and were blessed with three children, Kathi Lynde, Debbie Lee and Stephen Michael.  Wayne died in 2005, after 54 years of marriage.

In 2008, she married Stephen W. Clark, and they spent twelve happy years together.  She was immediately embraced by his children and grandchildren.  We thank them for their love and kindnesses to her.  They travelled to many places, including China, Hawaii and Maine. Stephen and Georgiann spent their sunset years in assisted living centers in Salt Lake City and Pocatello, Idaho.  Their favorite place was Stephen’s family cabin in Island Park, Idaho.

Gee, as her parents called her, or Gigi, as grandchildren knew her, had a deep love for her family and extended family.  She loved genealogy and wrote two books about her ancestors, A Strange Saga and The Swanson Book.  She travelled to Sweden with her mother and daughter, Debbie, to visit relatives and see the country.  She also visited Wales with Kathi and Debbie to meet Wayne’s wonderful cousins and gather more information on the family. She loved to entertain and hosted many events on her backyard deck for friends and families.  She had beautiful gardens and flower beds, where she found much enjoyment.

As a young mother, she was active as a 4-H leader, in school activities, American Legion, and many bridge clubs.  She ran Gee’s Antiques in her home for many years, refinishing furniture and browsing garage sales every weekend.  Her shop was clean and beautiful, arranged lovingly and artistically.

She was a founding member of the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust in Hamilton, MT.  Her love of history and antiques drove her to help preserve a piece of Montana history.  She served on the board as well as led tours of the mansion.

In 1970, she was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and became committed to serving her Heavenly Father.  She was the organist for Stevensville 1st ward for many years, as well as a teacher in the Relief Society and a visiting teacher.  She and Wayne were sealed for time and all eternity in 1982 in the Idaho Falls, Idaho temple.

She served a family history mission for the church in Salt Lake City, where her love of the work was greatly needed.  She continued to play the organ in her mission ward and the temple for years.  She loved being at the center of the church’s activities and attending many concerts, talks, and plays, as well as regularly attending the temple.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen, of Pocatello, her daughters, Kathi (Robb) Peck of Carey, Idaho, Debbie (Tom) LeCheminant of Wanship, Utah, and her son Steve (Chris) Dayton of Jerome, and by 14 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.  Her family would like to thank the staff of Grace Assisted Living in Pocatello and everyone at Encompass Hospice, especially Heather, for their loving care of our mother and grandmother.

A graveside service will be held for Georgiann at the Victor Cemetery on May 1st, 2021, at 12:30 pm with Bishop Troy Griffin officiating and under the direction of Whitesett Funeral Home of Stevensville and Manning-Wheatley Funeral Home of Pocatello.