Clara J. Emery

Clara J. Emery

On September 1, 2011 Clara J. Emery, 97, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family and caretakers, anticipating seeing her husband, Harold, and Loving God in the next world. Clara was born January 12, 1914 at her family farm on a snowy winters night in Satus, Washington into the family of Roland and Rosa Jones. She joined her oldest brother, David, and sister, Marie, to soon be joined by brother, Bob. Clara's chores on the farm included collecting eggs from the henhouse and tending the pigs and sheep. Her favorite horse was name Calico.
She attended Grainger High School, graduating as class Salutatorian. After high school Clara moved to Yakima, WA and worked for Hughes Brokerage. Restless to see the country, she took a train, at age 21, going to Washington DC to work for the Army Corp of Engineers. Next, she transferred to the Seattle office of the Engineers and became head of the payroll department where she met many young ladies who formed the "Castle Club" after WWII.
Soon after World War II she and friend, Margie Conover, were at Parker's Ballroom in Seattle, WA where she met this tall veteran named Harold. Soon married on November 1, 1946 Harold brought Clara home to his native Everett. Family came three years later with the arrival of daughter, Patricia, son, Robert, and son, Craig. Moving into their present home in 1953, joining Trinity Episcopal Church, Clara and Hal raised their three children and became involved with many Everett civic activities including becoming a lifelong member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, school PTA, active as a local precinct committee woman for many years and volunteering on election Tuesdays at Madison School.
Husband, Harold, passed away in 1975 but Clara did not sit still. She obtained her real estate license and kept busy with family and friends. Clara's nature was to strongly believe in her country, her faith in God and love of her family. She became an expert letter writer to her local congressman concerning national events. With a twinkle in her eye she always enjoyed a laugh and was interested in people.
Clara leaves her daughter, Patricia (Glenn); sons, Robert and Craig (Donna); seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Particular thanks and love to her wonderful caretakers in the last years, Salote and Schama.
Celebration of her life and service at Trinity Episcopal Church will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. A reception will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the family home.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the DAR, Marcus Whitman Chapter.