Claudia Reitz

Claudia Louise Reitz, 74, of Billings, passed away peacefully of a viral infection on August 21, 2025 surrounded by family and friends.

Claudia was born on January 4, 1951, in New York, where her father, Cleve Reitz, worked as a professional musician at Radio City Music Hall and her mother, Norma (Hoy) Reitz, served as a traveling nurse. They married in Billings, where they raised their family. Claudia was the oldest child and beloved big sister to her four brothers - Steven, John, Sandy, and Charles.

Claudia’s childhood was filled with adventures across the street at Terry Park, where endless days were spent swimming, ice skating, and playing every game imaginable involving a ball. She was a proud Girl Scout and spent many cherished summers at Red Lodge camps, where her mother served as camp nurse.

The twins, Janet and Jane, met Claudia at 9 years old at Terry Park. They were best friends from that time on until her passing. They attended elementary, junior high, and high school together. She also competed in AAU Track in junior high school. 

Claudia attended all Billings schools, graduating in 1969 from Billings Senior High School. Claudia was an outstanding athlete involved in track and field and softball. Claudia’s talents extended beyond athletics. She played the piano and flute, performing in her high school band, and she had a deep appreciation for music.

One of the highlights of Claudia’s life was playing softball. She had a natural ability and was an asset to any team she played on. In high school, she began playing competitive softball on King’s Softball team winning many championships on the State, Regional level and went to National Softball Tournaments twice and was inducted into the MT State Softball Hall of Fame.

Claudia attended Montana State University in Bozeman and participated in volleyball, basketball, and fast-pitch softball. She began her career teaching physical education at Great Falls CMR High School, where she coached Track and Field and Girl’s Basketball. She continued her softball career on another winning team, the Sponsor’s.

Claudia returned to Billings, deciding to change careers and went to Philadelphia for para-legal school. After graduating from para-legal school, she returned to Billings and was hired by Brown Law Firm, that began 3 and ½ decades working for Steve Harman. Steve became her boss, mentor, teacher, and close friend. She retired in the beginning of 2016. 

Janet and Claudia began acquiring rental property and it turned into a business venture. As Janet’s parents helped them get started in the business. They acquired numerous rentals over the years, tirelessly working at fixing and cleaning them up.

After retirement, Claudia enjoyed spending time with family and friends traveling, camping, 4-wheeling, and golfing often with her brother John. One of her favorite summer get a ways was spending time at the Ensign Cabin on Swan Lake. Claudia also loved going to Palm Springs in March to play golf and watch the Professional Tennis Tournament. She also became very passionate about politics. 

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, Norma and Cleve Reitz. She is survived by her partner Janet Henman, her brothers Steve “Wooly” (Paula) Reitz, John (Sheri) Reitz, Sandy Reitz, and Charles (Teri) Reitz, as well as Anner Marble; numerous nieces and nephews and a great niece and nephews; Jane Henman, Donna Oster, Peggy Ensign, and countless other sisters.

Claudia was a shining light whose generosity, kindness and compassion, blessed all who knew her. She had a gift for bringing family and friends together. Thoughtful in every way, she gave freely of herself showing up for anyone in need, touching countless lives with her caring spirit. Claudia’s legacy of love, generosity, compassion and her competitive spirit will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of those she deeply cherished. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Mayflower Congregational Church in Billings, Montana. In lieu of flowers, in honor of Claudia, please do an act of kindness.

The service will be livestreamed by the church at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88123048646?pwd=Nf90edKkuVp1axiuhYupBypHmN9NMJ.1

Meeting ID: 881 2304 8646
Passcode: 719480