Clara Mae Crites went home to be with Jesus on October 8, 2022 at the age of 97. She was born to Henry and Matilda (Jorgenson) Ashim on September 29, 1925 in Harmony, Minnesota. When she was six years old her mother passed away. She was fostered by several good families growing up. In 1942 Clara moved from Iowa to Hoquiam with the Ask family. In 1943 she met her future husband, Oshel Crites. They married on July 6, 1944.

Together Oshel and Clara raised seven children, adopted a niece and provided care for two granddaughters. She worked for Carlson's Jewelry for a time and a Realtor for Dale Crites & Associates. She was a long time member of the Montesano Assembly of God Church, enjoyed crafting and all things Christmas.

Clara is survived by her sons Michael (Becky), Allen (Kim), Dean (Tusdee) and Todd Crites; daughter Heidi (Randy) Hill and daughter-in-law Michelle; 11 grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Oshel, sons Dale and Paul, daughter Patricia, daughter-in-law Sue and grandson Justin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at the Montesano Church of God, 317 East Spruce Avenue, Montesano. Memorials may be made in Clara's name to PAWS of Grays Harbor. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.