Clarice Marie Luther

Clarice Marie Luther died April 30, 2017 at 99 years old. She was dearly loved as a Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend. Clarice served as a nurse in WWII, where she met her husband, Joseph E. Luther. They had 12 children.  The children ranged in age from 4 to 16 when her husband died at a young age. Clarice courageously faced raising the family alone. She worked for over 30 years as a nurse and in Pastoral Care.

Clarice grew up as one of 11 children on a farm in Elk River, Minnesota. She described her early years as idyllic. Her love of the earth continued throughout her life, as shown by her full garden oasis of trees, greenery and flowers. She was affectionately known as “Flower Lady” by many in East Sacramento. Clarice was a lifelong conservationist and supporter of environmental causes.

Clarice maintained close contact with her loved ones, keeping in touch by letter writing in her exquisite cursive style and traveling extensively to visit her children and grandchildren. She was passionate about quilt making for her family, putting love and a prayer into every stitch.

Clarice was admired and respected for her inner strength and for her quiet wisdom in how to cope gracefully with life’s challenges. She was deeply spiritual and was a guiding light in the life of everyone who knew her. She had a profound impact on many.

Being an avid reader of non fiction philosophy and poetry, she lived by the words of Sam Walter Foss, “Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man”. One of her favorite phrases was, “Say YES! To life!” She had a full, magnificent life of joy. Her joyfulness was infectious. Clarice will be deeply missed.

Clarice is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph E. Luther, daughter Mary Catherine, and sons, David and Paul. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Carol (Ken Anderson), Rose, Vincent, Frances (Bob Hartsock), Stephen (Nancy Luther), Theresa (Mike Conley), Margaret, Patrice (Jeffrey Margetts), Joseph (Helen Luther) and Judy McGillis. Clarice leaves a large family of grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved having her in their lives. They admired her greatly and felt unconditionally loved by her.