CLARIBEL WHITLEY (HURD) SPRAGUE ASHMUN BLAKEBURN

Claribel was the daughter of Clarence Wilford Hurd Jr. and Anna Belle Whitley.

At the age of three, Claribel's father died from asphyxiation, suicidal intent. Her mother, Anna Belle, was left a widow at the age of 26.

When Claribel was six, her mother married to Mike Saleo. The family was a happy one until Mike's death, from renal failure in 1934. Anna Belle was working then with Mike in his cafe, "Mike's Place", and Claribel could be found there in the sandwich shop in the afternoons after school.

In 1936, Anna Belle married Lawrence Mitchell Murdock. He was an entertaining step-father to Claribel, as he had a wonderful sense of humor. Anna Belle entered high school at this time--Lamar High School in Houston. She had an infectious and glorious smile and enjoyed being in the school's science club--Junior Academy of Science.

Claribel found marriage in her future with Walter Julius Sprague, a Californian, and a son of Homer F and Edith Estelle (Asti) Sprague.

Walter served honorably in the Navy in World War II as a Construction Mechanic, Third Class.

To the couple were born two daughters, Leonora Virginia born August 5, 1948 in Nevada, and Ann Estelle born August 24, 1949 in Harris County, Texas.

Although the marriage did not last, the couple were proud of their daughters.

Claribel married Laurence Lester Ashmun in Bexar County, Texas, November 30, 1968. Laurence was also in the Navy during World War II--an Aviation Machinist's Mate (Propeller Mechanic). His parents were Lester and Vera (McCall) Ashmun, from Michigan. The marriage ended almost ten years later on February 8, 1977.

Claribel found happiness once again with Otis Elmer Blakeburn, a widower originally from Illinois, whose parents were William Elmer and Nancy (Willtrout) Blakeburn. He, too, was a World War II veteran. "Blake", a retired auto mechanic, and Claribel had just moved to Livingston from Houston when his death ended their married life in 1980.

The sadness in Claribel's life was encountered once again with the death of her daughter Leonora in 1986. Just a little over a year later, Claribel's life ended, too. Her daughter Ann E Burks arranged for Claribel's burial at Hollywood Cemetery near her husband Blake, and her daughter Leonora.

~~mjp~~