Claudette Hanson

Claudette Hanson

June 20, 1937 – Nov. 6, 2022

Claudette Hanson, dedicated mother of five, grandmother of 17, great-grandmother of 44 and eternal love of one, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022.

Claudette was born on Father’s Day, June 20, 1937, to Russell Ward and Amy Neilson Smith in Cowley. She was just 3 years old when her loving mother passed away. Two years later, her father married Margaret Pryde Crowder. The newly married couple and their blended family grew from seven to 11. 

Claudette was raised on the small family farm in Cowley, learning invaluable lifelong lessons. She attended Cowley schools and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She treasured her growing up years in their small community. 

On June 4, 1954, Claudette married Kent Hanson in the Idaho Falls Temple. They were blessed with five children, Cozette (Rod) Partridge, Russell Kent, Charles Dan, Gary J and Chris K (Donna). Kent and Claudette celebrated almost 64 years together at the time of his passing on April 19, 2018. 

Claudette worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital for more than 20 years. She began her career in housekeeping and finished as a surgery tech in the surgery plus department. She was awarded the honor
of Employee of the Year
in 1995.

Claudette was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held countless callings and served in the Billings Montana Temple for many years. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell, Amy and Margaret Smith; sister Arleen; brothers Metz, Craig and Larry; step-sisters Doris and Janet; and step-brother Charles. 

Claudette is survived by her five children, sister Karma Smith of Orem, Utah, sister-in-law LaWana Rainey of Greybull and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Hanson family would like to express deepest appreciation for friends and caregivers at the Legacy Assisted Living and Riverstone Health Hospice Care for the tender loving care of their mother. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 912 Wicks Lane, Billings. A viewing will be prior to the service at 10 a.m. Interment will be in the Cowley Cemetery.