Cornelia Hawkins Klittke Francis
ARLEE — Cornelia Hawkins Klittke Francis, a dedicated teacher, influential community member and longtime ranch woman, died at the family ranch in the Jocko Valley on Saturday, April 30. She was 96.
Cornelia was born to Herman and Cora Klittke on Jan. 18, 1909, in Williams Bridge, N.Y.
At the age of 10 months, her family left the comforts of their home and boarded a freight car with their belongings to travel to the prairies of Saskatchewan where they homesteaded 640 acres. Home there would be a rudimentary but weatherproof house built by her father. Cornelia drove workhorses with her father and was home schooled by her mother. She remembered visits to the homestead from red-uniformed Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Christmases celebrated with a homemade tree made of lath.
At 13, her parents decided that Cornelia should return to Jamaica, N.Y., to live with family friends and pursue a formal education. She entered eighth grade in public school. It was her first time in a classroom, and she recalled this experience with fond memories, true to Cornelia's sense of adventure and her desire to learn.
Cornelia graduated from Jamaica High School in January 1928. She worked briefly for McGraw Hill Publishing House in New York City before returning to the West to enroll at the University of Montana to study under Dean A. L. Stone, the first dean of the Journalism School, and the prominent English professor H. G. Merriam. She pursued degrees in journalism and creative writing, graduating in June 1932.
That same year, Cornelia married Hiram Francis and moved to his ranch in the Jocko Valley. It was here that their three children were born and reared. Cornelia energetically participated in ranch life. She cherished memories of riding the cattle range in La Moose Canyon. She created a warm, wholesome environment for her family and those who came to visit.
In 1959, after additional study at the University of Montana, Cornelia accepted a teaching position at Arlee High School, where she taught English, journalism and drama for 13 years.
A tireless and energetic teacher, she shared with her students her love of language, literature and writing. In 1966, she was named the Montana Journalism Teacher of the Year.
During her years of teaching and following her retirement in 1972, she was a feature writer for the Missoulian and the Lake County Leader.
After the death of her husband in l966, Cornelia spent the next 39 years managing the ranch. Her life abounded with family, friendships, her pets and her love for nature and the beauty of her rural environs. Her ranch was a welcome respite for visitors of all ages.
She was active in the founding and was a lifetime member of the Arlee Jocko Museum and a charter member of the Fort Connah Restoration Society. She was a member of Eastern Star, Alpha Delta Kappa and the Arlee Methodist Church.
Cornelia is remembered for her independent spirit, her sense of humor, commitment to land stewardship and to the betterment of her community. Her love of life and hospitality were apparent throughout her life.
Her family extends gratitude to the loving caregivers, community of friends and Partners in Home Care Hospice. All made it possible for her to remain in the home where she had lived for 73 years.
Cornelia was preceded in death by her husband Hiram, her sister Constance and her son Howard.
Survivors include her son, Perry/Maria Francis of Missoula; her daughter, Emily/Mark Lennon of Polson; a daughter-in-law, Betty Francis of Cape Canaveral, Fla.; one nephew, nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
An outdoor memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 22, at 2 p.m. at the family ranch on 434 Hi Francis Road, Arlee.
In Cornelia's remembrance, donations may be made to Partners in Home Care Hospice, 2687 Palmer, Missoula, MT 59808, Arlee Senior Citizens, 106 Wessinger St., Arlee, MT 59821, or Arlee Jocko Museum, Box 512, Arlee, MT 59821.