Chloe Bina (Mehrens) Gilman passed away at her home on January 1, 2019, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.   Chloe was born in Butte on September 24, 1938 and was one of seven children born to William “Dooley” and Bina (Hanley) Mehrens.   She attended Madison Grade School and graduated from Butte High School in 1956.

      While attending high school Chloe worked at Fritz’s Flower Shop and the Montana Power Company.   Following graduation in 1956, she worked full-time at the Montana Power Company.   She married James C. Gilman on February 7, 1959, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church.   As Jim’s business developed, Chloe started working with Jim part-time.   In 1961, Chloe began working full-time for Gilman Construction.   Chloe was an integral part of the family business, not only working in the office, but right on job sites with Jim.   Jim and Chloe would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this February.

      Jim and Chloe had two children, LaRae and Jim, Jr., and 5 beautiful grandchildren.   The family enjoyed quality time together boating, water skiing, snowmobiling, snow skiing, camping, traveling and spending time with family and friends at their Canyon Ferry Lake summer home.   Chloe was a member of the Butte Snowmobile Club in the 1960’s and 1970’s.   In later years, Chloe enjoyed sewing and running her Four Seasons Arts and Crafts business as well as starting the Gal-Us Frame Gals Chapter of the Red Hat Society.   Chloe was the “Queen Empress” of the club for over fifteen years.   Chloe loved to entertain and loved all celebrations.   She was a master party planner and her decorating and cooking skills were second to none.

      Chloe was preceded in death by her father and mother, William “Dooley” and Bina (Hanley) Mehrens;   her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joshua and Agnes (Lahey) Gilman;   her siblings and in-laws Rudi Forhan, Chuck and Mary Jo (Mehrens) Michaud, Bill Mehrens, Tony and Betty (Mehrens) Patch, Donna Mehrens, Ed and Cleda (Mehrens) Austin, Alfred Lee Gilman, Joe and Jane (Gilman) Basar, John and Lorraine (Gilman) MacPhee;   her nieces, nephews and their spouses, Glen Austin, Brenda Patch, Rhetta (Michaud) Galetti Caldwell, Colleen (Patch) Myers, Shirley (Basar) Brookins, Joseph Al-Nouri, Joe Basar, Jr., Dave Harding and Frank Austin.

      Chloe is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, James C. Gilman;   her daughter, LaRae South and her husband, Rick, and their children Trevor South, Trace South and Shelby South;   her son, Jim Gilman, Jr. and his wife Christen, and Jim Jr.’s children Sarah Gilman and Jenna Gilman;   sister, Alice (Mehrens) Forhan;   brother, Dan Mehrens and Ginette;   sister-in-law, Marie “Sis” (Walsh) Mehrens;   brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Keith and Elaine (Gilman) Brown;   nieces and nephews, Bill Forhan, Gayle (Forhan) Schendzielos, Ed Forhan, Diane (Forhan) DuBose, Carol (Michaud) Griner, Joe Michaud, Chuck Michaud, Jr., Mary Jo (Michaud) Giacomino, Doreen (Michaud) Harding, Jim Michaud, Dan Michaud, Renee (Michaud) Overbeck, Lynda Mehrens, Sheila Mehrens, Bill Mehrens, Jr., Patsy Mehrens, Mike Patch, Pamela Kay (PK) Alden, Russell Mehrens, Tanya (Mehrens) Salmon, Ruby Austin, Marie (Austin) Regan, Sam Al-Nouri, John Angus MacPhee and Catherine (MacPhee) Edmisten.   Chloe also leaves behind lifelong friends, Wes and Edie Oswald and many other family, friends and employees that meant so much to her.

      Friends may call after 5:00 p.m. this Friday evening in St. Ann’s Catholic Church.   Parish Vigil will be recited at 6:00 p.m.   Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.   Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

      In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Camp Mak-A-Dream (Children’s Oncology Camp Foundation) P.O. Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806 or the charity of your choice. Express condolence