Merle A. (Klapmeier) Abbott

Merle A. Abbott, 84, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Livingston Hospital. She will be remembered by many who cared for her by her spunk and strong independence!She was born February 29, 1936, in Miles City, Montana, the daughter of Edward and Elma (Buethner) Klapmeier.Following graduation from Custer County High School in Miles City, she married the love of her life, Clifford E. Abbott on May 24, 1953. They spent their early years ranching in the Broadus area. In 1957 they moved to Bozeman and then Livingston where they owned Music Land. In 1965, they purchased a ranch on Deep Creek in Paradise Valley where they raised registered Suffolk sheep. She was proud to have won an award at the Montana Winter Fair for Ladies Lead for Suffolk sheep, and had fond memories of raising 45 bum lambs.Merle had many other accomplishments as well. She sold Avon, loved to cook and sew and crafted many projects over the years. In 1986, she got her real estate license and sold real estate until 1994 when Cliff passed away.Merle was proceeded in death by her parents and husband, Clifford E. Abbott.Survivors include her brother, William Klapmeier (Maureen) of Miles City, MT; daughters, Cindy (Tim) Bowers and Marla (Pat) Wagman both of Livingston, MT and son, Thom Abbott (Ray Benitez) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Phillip (Chelsea) Bowers, Belinda (Dan) Sawyer, Emily (Aaron) ONeill, Ryan (Candise) Wagman, Matt Wagman, and Ben (Cassie) Wagman; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Josette, Easton Bowers, Isaac and Elise Healey, Jaia and Belle Wagman and Cade, Vann and Lev Wagman, and numerous nieces and nephews.A graveside service will be Friday, May 29, 2020 at 2pm at Park View Memorial Gardens, south of Livingston on East River Road. Please meet at Franzen-Davis Funeral Home by 1:30pm to go in procession to Park View.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Samaritans Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boon, NC 28607 (samaritanspurse.org) or the charity of your choice.Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.