Gary Cleavenger, 68, passed away due to natural causes on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls.  A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, with his funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m., at Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel.  Burial will be in Highland Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Gary was born January 17, 1956, in Havre, MT, to Kenny and Eliza Cleavenger.  He attended schools in Havre and Whitewater, MT.  He completed a comprehensive Bible study course through Conquerors Bible College in Portland, Oregon. He was an entrepreneur involved in sales most of his life. He loved Jesus best of all.  He loved sports, especially basketball, attending games and tournaments.  Gary was a volunteer coach for basketball, and he built a pitching mound for his son Justin. He attended his grandson, Ayden's high school basketball games. He loved to cook breakfast or any meal, even large Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

On February 5, 1977, he married Jayne Sveen. To this union were born four children:  Aaron (Kristine), children Scarlett, Asher and Cyrus of Prescott, AZ; Justin of Billings; Angela (CW), and son Ayden of Billings, and Beth of Chandler, AZ.

He is also survived by his brother, Jess of Great Falls; sisters, Mona of Washington, Joyce of CA, Ethel of CA, and Avis of Missoula; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Dana, Tiffany and Tnesa, who loved him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents Kenny and Eliza Cleavenger, brothers Lester, Maynard, and sisters Betty and Velma.

Gary loved life. In January of 1977 he was baptized in Jesus' name at the Havre Pentecostal Church by Pastor Harris Hammond, and he received the gift of the Holy Ghost in months to follow. He loved to visit with anyone who would listen, especially witnessing about the Lord. Even hours before he passed away, he was witnessing to his friend in the emergency room that he needed to be baptized in Jesus' name.