Clara Mae Crandall

Clara Mae Oelke Crandall, age 88, of Grants Pass, Oregon died November 1, 2021.

Clara was born February 8, 1933 to George & Edith Oelke in Kansas City, Missouri. She moved to southern California in 1940 and attended Cabrillo Grade School, Dane Junior High, and San Pedro High School.

On October 2, 1949 she married Hugh Crandall at Fort McArthur Army base in San Pedro, California. In January 1950, together they moved to Ponoka, Alberta Canada and farmed until 1956. While living in Canada they had three children, Richard, Donna and Darrell. They returned to the United States and lived in Lynden, Washington for one year before moving to Modesto, California where Hugh went to work for the Grey Hound line for 30 years. They continued to move every few years and during this time had many adventures.

In May of 1987, Hugh retired and they moved to their dream home in Grants Pass, Oregon. Clara loved her family and animals, especially her dogs and cats. She taught porcelain doll making and did lots of knitting and crocheting.

Clara was also a member of River Valley Community Church.

Clara is survived by her husband of 71 years Hugh Crandall; son, Richard Crandall of Fort Bragg, California; one daughter, Donna Stann of Grants Pass, Oregon; two sisters, Patricia Cheek and her husband Ben of Nampa, Idaho; and Judy Hansel and husband Gary of Chico, California; two grandsons; five granddaughters; 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Clara was preceded in death by her youngest son Darrell W. Crandall, who passed away September 2007 in Reno, Nevada; her oldest brother Bill Oelke; and youngest brother Tom Ryan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., May 2, 2022 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.