Stevensville – Caroline Hare Davis of Stevensville, MT, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018, following a prolonged illness at The Living Centre. She was 82 years old.
The daughter of Robert Hare Davis and Virginia Preston Miller Davis of Stevensville (later, Virginia lived in Hamilton, MT), Caroline was born May 24, 1935, in Bryn Mawr, PA, where she attended The Shipley School and The Agnes Irwin School.
Caroline lived much of her young adult life in suburban Philadelphia and, in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, resided in England where she taught at a school for young girls.
Caroline became a permanent resident of Stevensville, MT, in 1970 where she was the owner of the Tandy Leather Store in Hamilton. Upon retirement she became a community activist who encouraged an orderly and planned growth for Stevensville. She attended meetings of the Local Government Study Commission and was recognized in the minutes of the September 22, 2015, meeting.
Caroline had a Christian heart for children and sponsored many through her dedication to Catholic Youth, 4-H and FFA programs.
Many local and state organizations benefited from Caroline’s loyalty. She was a member of the Bitter Root Stockgrowers Association, North Valley Pachyderms, St. Mary’s Parish Council, Ravalli County Farm and Ranch Board, Women Involved in Farm Economics, Cowbelles, Farm Fair Volunteer, FFA Alumni, Historic St. Mary’s Mission Board, Stevensville Community Foundation Board, to name a few, and held offices in several. As a result of her community involvement, Caroline was named the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year by the Stevensville Civic Club and honored at the 105th Creamery Picnic.
Caroline will also be remembered for her generous ongoing support of the Catholic Church. A devout Roman Catholic, Caroline also attended many religious retreats at Mount Saviour Monastery, a historic farm and monastery campus and national historic district located near Pine City, (Elmira) Chemung County, New York. Caroline was an Oblate of St. Benedict. Oblates are Christians who seek God by striving to become holy in their chosen way of life. By integrating their prayer and work, they manifest Christ’s presence in society.
The large stained glass window of “Our Lady of Sorrows” in the vestibule of St. Mary’s Church was gifted by Caroline, a reflection of her devout Catholic faith.
Caroline Hare Davis is survived by her younger brother, Caspar Wistar Davis; her niece, Josephine Stavers of Stevensville, MT; her nephews: William Appleton Stavers of Missoula, MT; Robert Hare Stavers of Friday Harbor, WA; David Jayne Stavers of Henderson, NV; John Page Stull of Bethesda, MD; and six grand nephews and nieces.
Caroline will be remembered fondly by her many friends in the Bitterroot Valley. She was a true and loyal friend.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary/Vigil at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2018. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 23, 2018 at 11 a.m., all at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 333 Charlos Street in Stevensville. Interment will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery. A reception will follow at the St. Mary’s Family Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to any of the organizations shown above. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.