It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clayetta Corcoran Border, 72, of Missoula, MT. She left us on May 20, 2025 after a brief battle with an aggressive, fast growing brain cancer. Clayetta and her family never gave up - they planned for the worst, hoped for the best, and lived for each moment.

Her strength, resilience, and uplifting sense of humor will never be forgotten by her loving husband, children, grandchildren, and siblings.

Clayetta was the gentlest soul, a kind and wonderful person. She was born in Anaconda, MT and grew up on the side of town some remember as Goosetown. Her siblings Pat, Dennis, Rocky, Janice and Sheila could all attest to heartwarming memories of camping, fishing, Sunday drives, and growing up at the top of Birch Street. Graduating in the AHS Class of 1971, Clayetta’s sisters reminisce on her classy style, matching outfits, and abundance of friends. She married Dan Fabich when she was a senior in high school, and her first child Myra would always say she was “in their wedding”, though she was born a couple months later.

Clayetta will be lovingly remembered by her beloved children & grandchildren: daughter Myra Moreni, her husband Mike, and their three kids (including spouses), Micaela (Nate), Kyra (Zach), Branten (Mariah); son Brandon Fabich, his wife Rebecca, and their two kids Aiden and Stefan. She was cherished as a thoughtful, warmhearted, and fun-loving mother and grandma.

Among the many memories her grandchildren have of her, these stand out as their favorites: Micaela recalls when her grandma would come out to visit and they would go hiking together, distinctly recanting one particular time when she was definitely in the lead - kicking butt and showing her granddaughter how it was done. In Belize, another favorite memory occurred on the dance floor. Micaela didn’t notice her grandma sneak up behind her until suddenly she felt the unforgettable “Clayetta hip bump boogie.” It was classic Grandma—fun and full of surprise! Similarly, Kyra fondly looks back on the fun had with her grandma during her bachelorette party - swing dancing at a karaoke bar and competitively checking items off her scavenger hunt list, which most notably consisted of making toilet paper veils in the bathroom with Kyra. Branten will always remember her wittiness and her contagious smile, which he often thought to be just like his mother’s. Aiden’s favorite memory was at the Rib and Chop House. After spilling a soda and getting in trouble, Grandma saved the moment by flinging a potato across the restaurant to make everyone laugh. It was the perfect distraction. Stefan recalls a time when they were misbehaving at the Pattee Creek Market. Grandma, without missing a beat, pretended not to know them, wandering the aisles saying, “Man, who are these naughty kids, and where are their parents?” It was hilarious—and so very her.

You may remember Clayetta from a few establishments in Anaconda… her role consisted of part babysitter, part shrink, and allowed her to develop a keen sense of seeing through the BS… as a bartender! She served at Fairmont Hot Springs for years, then the Owl Bar & Warm Springs Bar for some good friends, and lastly at Granny’s Kitchen, where she met her future husband Rich Border, and soon after moved to Missoula, MT. While in Missoula, she worked at Lenscrafter’s for a short time, then brought her design skills to Daltile and Stone, from which she retired in 2019.

Rich and Clayetta made their home at the top of Pattee Canyon, enjoying magnificent views, a beautifully cultivated garden, and the pleasure of watching the various wildlife - ranging from hummingbirds to bears - from their deck or kitchen windows. Their dining table welcomed families, friends, and neighbors to savor her delectable cooking. These include Rich’s children and grandchildren: Heather Grutsch, her husband Brad, and their kids Grace, Brandon and Claire. Kristen Patton, her husband Greg and their daughter Beatrix. The grandchildren say they loved looking at Clayetta’s rock garden and finding treasures hidden around the house. Her Christmas Village was one of their favorite parts of the holidays - so intricate and thoughtfully arranged that they could spend hours admiring it. As a bonus, the kids knew they could always count on Clayetta keeping the fridge stocked with juice boxes, and would find them each visit.

Clayetta was truly appreciative of tranquil days spent fishing and camping, tending to her garden, hiking and attending Griz games with Rich, plus their yearly trips to Cabo San Lucas. In addition to enjoying the fresh mountain air, she especially loved time with her family. The holidays together in Missoula are some of our most cherished memories. These precious memories, along with countless others, paired with Clayetta’s vibrant spirit, will continuously embolden her family to fill their lives with joy and adventure.

Clayetta will be laid to rest alongside her beloved parents, Robert ("Cork") and Florence (“Flossie”), at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Anaconda, Montana. We invite you to join us for a small, heartfelt graveside service on June 14, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.  

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