Clara Pearl Schales was born October 10, 1935 in Illinois to John and Violet Parish. One of five sisters, Clara and her family moved to Armona, California when she was seven years old. Her father helped build the Armona Union Academy school where Clara and her sisters Lucille, Jeanette, Marian and Ruth would all attend. While at AUA, Clara met the love of her life Cleveland Monroe Schales (C.M.). They married in 1954, and Clara often joked about how even though C.M. was older than her, he had to get his parents’ permission to get married because at the time, a man had to be twenty years old to get married.
Clara and C.M. had four children together: William Michael, Mazella Marie, Walter Marcus, and Marliss June. They raised their children in the country in Grangeville. Summers were spent in Arkansas with C.M.’s family. Clara ran a successful hair salon out of the shop that her husband built for her in their home, and helped him with his General Contracting business. She also spent years as a cafeteria lady at AUA and drove the school bus. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and a cherished friend to all who knew her. She spent her life in the Seventh-day Adventist church and dearly loved her church family.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lucille, and her husband C.M. She leaves behind her four children: Michael Schales, Marie Schales, Marcus Schales, and Marliss Baca (Fred); six grandchildren: Aimee Kruger (Kevin), Danielle Bellwood (Seth), Sara Crisp, Anna Biesbrock, Brandon Baca, and Nicole Baca; along with nine great-grandchildren: Jordan Burrow, Tanner Burrow, Hailey Burrow, Ozzy Bellwood, Star Kruger, Isabelle Kruger, and Kaylei Baca, Taylor Baca, London Crisp, and one great great-grandchild: William Burrow. She also leaves behind her sisters Marian Wooten, Jeanette Coleman, and Ruth Schales (Bobby), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Clara always said she didn’t want flowers at her funeral, so in lieu of flowers those who wish may donate to their favorite charity in memory of her. A Graveside service will be held on Monday, October 12th at 10:00 A.M. at Grangeville Cemetery in Armona.