Surrounded by her loving family, Claudette passed away peacefully in the afternoon of August 9, 2020 in Eureka.

She was born August 7, 1931 in North Bend, Oregon to Elmer and Edna (Walker) Smith.

Her family moved to Pecwan in 1938 to log Port Orford cedar for Arrow Mills. Her mother was the logging camp cook, known for her delicious pies.

She shared many wonderful stories about her camp family as a child.

She attended Eureka schools and graduated from Eureka Senior High in 1949.

In the ‘60s, Claudette moved to Redding where she raised her children and worked for an insurance company.

She later moved to Weaverville and owned The Brewery, a local restaurant and bar.

She then moved back to Eureka to be close to her aging parents and worked for the City of Eureka, Planning Department until her retirement.

She enjoyed gambling and bingo was her favorite. She loved to travel and took lots of trips with family and friends. March 2012 she embarked on a month-long journey across the United States with her cousin and her niece in a motorhome exploring from San Diego to Key West, Florida.

She was always up for a new adventure.

She had an infectious laugh and no one was a stranger. She loved people and loved caring for others. When she lived at Silvercrest Senior Apartments, she took friends to doctor appointments, bingo and the casinos. She delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered there often. She always helped serve when she attended the Senior Center and would go from table to table visiting and sharing an encouraging word and a laugh with everyone.

Always active and on the go she walked every day and maintained a positive, upbeat attitude. Her gift was encouraging others.

Claudette was such a blessing to her friends and family. We will all miss her cheerfulness and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bob Denney, her daughter Candace (Jones) Rice, her son Randy Jones, and her nephew Terry Denney.

She is survived by her children, Carroll Jones, Robert (Debbie) Ringler, Darold (Michelle) Ringler; grandchildren, John Enloe, Carla Jones, Joseph Jones, Patti Mismatch, Alison Ringler, Christopher (Maira) Ringler , Sarah (Carl) Ellis, Lucas Ringler, Sean Ringler, many greatgrand children; niece Mitzi (Ben) Barks, and nephews, Craig (Holly) Denney and Bobby (Kathy) Davis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Senior Center in Eureka.

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