Our dear mom and grandma, Clara (Horath) Schoenbachler, passed away suddenly on July 24, 2022 at the age of 82. She was born in Hinwil, Switzerland, on October 31, 1939. Shortly after World War II, her family immigrated to America. They sailed for one month across the Atlantic Ocean on an old French troop carrier, arriving at Ellis Island in September of 1946. From New York, the family traveled by train across the country to Washington State. There, Clara's dad worked in the dairy industry. Clara grew up as a happy, whistling girl, often busy helping with farm chores. This shaped her into the hard worker that she was to become. At the age of sixteen, she was noticed by a handsome Swiss man who happened to be visiting her father at their farm. Three years later, Walter and Clara were married on October 25, 1958. In the following years, Clara became the mother of six children. Her children were her pride and joy, and she worked tirelessly to care for them. She worked alongside Walter on their dairy farm, sewed almost all the children's clothes, gardened, baked, cooked, and canned. Clara was always there to lend a helping hand and generously give her time to those in need. Unlike most people her age, she never retired. As her children began leaving home, she volunteered at Josephine Sunset Home and then worked for Highland Cleaners, doing alterations. Later, she worked for the Stanwood School District in the kitchen and mail route. For the rest of her life, she also enjoyed working on the family dairy farm. Clara was known for her delicious pies, sewing projects, sweet treats for the grandchildren, and love of Swiss music. Words cannot express the void that will never be filled because of the loss of our much loved Clara. She was an amazing daughter,sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, coworker, and friend. Clara is predeceased by her parents George and Anna Horath and husband Walter. She is survived by her siblings Arnold and Susie; children Walt (Donna), Bonnie (Garth) Arnhart, Trudy (Rob) Egelstad, Fred (Tammi), Marlene (Tim) Francis, Paul (KaeCee); twenty-seven grandchildren; and twenty-four great grandchildren with four more on the way. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Funeral arrangements are under Gilbertson's Funeral Home.

Published by Gilbertson Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Stanwood on Jul. 29, 2022.