Obituary of Clara A Karsten

Clara Karsten passed away peacefully at home in Hubbard, Oregon on February 28, 2021. She was born April 7, 1931 in Donald, Oregon to Michael and Mae Smith. Clara was the third born of nine children. She married Laurence (Larry) G. Karsten December 30, 1949. Clara was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years. She is survived by her five children, Laura Sandstrom, Michael Karsten, Emma Gordon, Wilma Karsten and William (Bill) Karsten, and her 11 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Clara enjoyed gardening, canning, entertaining, and traveling. She especially enjoyed the beach. Clara had an artistic talent for sewing and embroidery. She made the most beautiful quilts and presented them to her family and friends. They have become treasured heirlooms throughout the family. Clara was active in her church and community. She served a four year term as city councilman for the city of Hubbard Oregon. Clara was always willing to lend a hand and in her last years those people she touched in the community came out to check on her regularly and return the kindness. Clara and her sisters were filled with fun and antics. They would head off in whatever vehicle was available for travel adventures. There are many family stories about those trips. In the early years they would take all the kids camping in Lincoln City during the summer. They would set up multiple tents, cook on camp fires and enjoy the beach. The home barbecues were legendary and occasionally included young Navy sailors in town for the Portland Rose Festival. Clara greatly enjoyed hosting holidays and get-togethers and was always happiest when she had her family all together. Clara never said no to a game of bingo and often hosted her own games at the clubhouse in her community. Clara and her husband would take a bus to the casino in Washington and play the slot machines, bingo and keno. She was a lucky gambler and most often went home a winner with money and lots of door prizes. Clara’s smile, kind spirit and playfulness will be greatly missed.