Clarabel Amator

Clarabel L. Amator 84, of Durham, died on. Nov. 7, 2009 at her home. Her family surrounded her, in presence and spirit, returning the love and devotion she gave to them. She was born in Durham on December 22, 1924 to Clement and lone Boelens. Her father immigrated from Belgium, worked his way across the country, where he met and married lone Atteberry. Clarabel attended local schools and then married Aubry Amator. Aubry built a house on Campbell street when first married, where they raised their children and she lived the remainder of her life. She was involved with Cub Scouts and taught cooking as a 4-H leader. She and their four children frequently worked with dad in their almond orchard which was part of the original Durham Land Colony. Aubry and Clarabel were married for 49 years and are now reunited in heaven. In 1972, Clarabel and Aubry were responsible for forming the Checkerboard Squares, a square dance club that continued for many years. A skilled seamstress, she made her dresses, suits, costumes and other decorative items. She also loved Ballroom dancing. An avid game and card player -she usually won. Clarabel worked in the school cafeteria at Durham Elementary for nine years. She then worked for Chico Unified for the next nine years in a supervisory position as a baker. She retired from food services in 1986. Clarabel was a member of the Durham Woman's Club, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Tuesday Night Dance Club at the CARD center. She was a devoted member and treasurer for the Durham Grange for many years; organizing Friday night Bingo, scheduling and managing other events She donated materials to update the Grange and supported the current Grange restoration project. She attended and served at Calvary Chapel Church. Always on the go, she loved to travel all over the world, This included Africa, New Zealand, Europe, Belgium and climbing the Great Wall in China. When she was 81, she enthusiastically experienced the zip-lines on the island of St. Lucia. She enjoyed many trips to Shelter Cove with family and friends. Most of all, she loved having her family together on holidays. Lovingly made special with her games, creative gifts and wonderful, renowned cooking. She is survived by her children, all of Durham; Jeannie Slinkard, Rosie (Curtis) Bennett, Albert (Carroll) Amator, and Roy (May) Amator; ten grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Aubry; three brothers, Bill Dobson, Robert Boelens, Camiel Boelens and son-in-law, Larry Slinkard. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Dayton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Durham Grange restoration fund, P.O. Box 889, Durham, 95938 or the Chico Calvary Chapel Children's Ministry. "Always one to go the extra mile, its time to rest. We will miss you so much ... but you'll always be in our hearts."