Dolores “Dee” Vancleeve March 3, 1936 – January 17, 2025 (Age 88)
W.F. “Van” Vancleeve November 11, 1932 – April 16, 2025 (Age 92)
Dolores “Dee” and W.F. “Van” Vancleeve shared 69 years of marriage, a deep and abiding love, and a life filled with devotion to family, service, and community. They passed away just three months apart in Billings, Montana—Dee on January 17, and Van on April 16—leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and quiet strength.
Dee was born in Choteau, Montana, and Van in Afton, Texas. They met while serving in the U.S. Navy at Treasure Island in San Francisco and soon began a lifelong adventure together. Their early years as a Navy family took them to Alameda, Guam, and San Diego as they raised their three children. After Van’s 20-year Navy career, they settled in Great Falls, Montana, where Dee worked for the Great Falls School District and Van eventually became Vice President of Glacier State Electric. In retirement, they moved to Billings to be closer to family.
Dee lit up every room she entered with her warmth, grace, and joyful spirit. She had a gift for making others feel seen and valued, and she formed lasting connections with people everywhere she went. Her style, laughter, and kind heart left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Van was a gentle soul with quiet strength and a steady presence. A devoted father and grandfather, he led by example—whether coaching his children’s sports teams, cheering from the stands, or volunteering in the community. He found meaning in service, from Toastmasters and Kiwanis to animal education at ZooMontana and disaster preparedness with RSVP. He was honored nationally for his volunteer work but remained humble, saying, “There’s plenty of satisfaction in the work itself.”
Together, Van and Dee built a family rooted in love and unity. They are survived by their three children—Rick (Cindy), Melanie (Tony) Woolery, and Sandy (Lisa Walton); five grandchildren—Brandon (Anna), Colby (Katie), Spencer (Lorenzo) Vancleeve, Carlie Woolery, and Cassie (Jeremy) Todd; and eight great-grandchildren—Harlow, Jack, and Teddy Vancleeve; Savannah, Henry, and Jameson Todd; and Copper and Jett Vancleeve. Dee is also survived by her sister Janice “Jan” Goodness and several nieces and nephews. Van was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill, and sister Irene; Dee by her mother, Maud Morrison, and her sister Arlene Morrison.
A joint Celebration of Life will be held on May 17 at 2:00 PM at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. All are welcome to come honor and remember two extraordinary lives, and the enduring love they shared.
Author: Staff
Our Staff account is used to publish submitted content. If you have content that was published under this account, and wish to have your name as author, please contact us at (406) 952-3021
