She was born on March 27, 1918 in Briggs, Okla. to Benjamin “Frank” and Muncie Swafford Clinkenbeard.
She was raised in Oklahoma and was united in marriage to Mark F. Orton, Jr. on June 9, 1934 in Checotah, Okla. They lived for many years in Watsonville, Calif. and later in Kimberly before moving to Hermiston in 1990. Mark preceded her in death in 1992, and in 1997 she moved to Milton-Freewater, where she had lived since. She had been a member of the Assembly of God Church in Hermiston and was currently a member of Bethel Assembly of God in Walla Walla, Wash. Clara loved the Lord and cherished her family. In her lifetime, she also enjoyed ministry, homemaking, cooking, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, crafts, ceramics and canning.
She is survived by her sons, Carl Orton, Redding, Calif. and Tom Orton, Milton-Freewater; sister, Lucinda Lawrence, Red Bluff, Calif.; grandchildren, Terry, Kathy and Michael; six great grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Lavenia Phelps, and 13 siblings.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Private burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
