Gale Iris Clement

Gale Iris Orton Clement passed away peacefully in Auburn, California at age 77, surrounded by family on December 2, 2024 (just 9 days shy of her 78th birthday). Gale was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend and will be greatly missed by many.

Gale was born on December 11, 1946 in Boulder City, Nevada to Gardello and Iris (Decker) Orton. She spent most of her childhood in Boulder City and loved the beauty of the desert where she grew up. Her family later moved to Citrus Heights, California, where she graduated from Bella Vista High School and met Rex Clement. They were married on July 29, 1965 in the Oakland California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1971, they moved to the small community of Ophir, California where they raised 9 children through much care, protection, sacrifice, hard work, and above all - love.

Gale spent her life serving through music by playing piano and organ for many family, religious and community events. She began playing piano as a young girl, and at the age of 8 began accompanying in church and continued sharing her musical talents for the next 69 years, up until shortly before her passing. Gale accompanied at community holiday performances, weddings, funerals, baptisms, and for school, church and community choirs. She often played piano duets with her daughters, sisters and grandkids any chance she had. During her lifetime, Gale also learned to play drums, harmonica, guitar and ukulele. She taught her children and many others a love of music and encouraged her children to use their own musical gifts in service to others. She accompanied her daughters as they sang at nursing homes throughout the year, and took her family caroling each Christmas Eve to those on duty at the Ophir Firehouse and to others in the community who needed an uplift.  

Gale's service was especially evident in the Ophir community. All nine of her children attended Ophir Elementary School over the span of 27 years, where they participated in music and sports programs from kindergarten through 8th grade. Gale was a dedicated volunteer with the school’s music program, playing piano for numerous student plays, choir performances, talent shows and other events. She even accompanied for the choir when they traveled to other schools and competitions.

Gale was a dedicated homemaker and hard worker. Living out in the country, there was much to do. She sewed, mended, baked, milked the cow, made butter, moved sprinklers on the property, and helped chop and collect endless amounts of firewood over the years. She led the kids in baking fresh bread, picking and processing endless fruit into applesauce, juice, pies (with a signature smiley face cut into the top crust of each one), and jelly. Gale was well known for her pomegranate jelly as she shared it with neighbors, friends and family every year. She was exceptionally great at recording many personal and family adventures through journaling and taking photographs. She always had a camera nearby!

Gale was a very compassionate and kind person. She was a great listener and gave loving advice and help to others whenever she could. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she tried to live a Christlike life. She was always thinking of others and caring about their comfort and needs, even during her last days on earth. She was so appreciative of help from others, especially for the great care she received from family, friends and caregivers before her passing. She had a sweet smile that spread cheer and happiness to all. She will be remembered for these Christlike traits.

Her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories they shared with Gale and the huge influence she had on all who knew her. She will always be remembered for her love, kindness, beautiful music and smile that she shared freely with all. We love you!!!!  

Gale is survived by her husband, Rex Clement, sister Roberta Selk, brother Ken (Marita) Orton, nine children: Kina (Gary) Yukish, Glen (Becky) Clement, Tammy (Grant) Norris, Thad (Stacy) Clement, Carol (Brett) Glenn, Jan (Steve) Bigelow, Mark (Shannon) Clement, Donna (James) Weaver, Wendy (Eric) Davis, 30 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Gale’s musical legacy, please consider making a contribution to a fund that will be donated to the Ophir Elementary School music program, where she shared her musical talents for many years. You can make a Donation Here: https://gofund.me/e545bbfd.

A viewing and funeral will be held Friday, December 13, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 287 Poet Smith Dr, Auburn, CA 95603. The viewing will be held from 9:00-9:45am and the funeral will follow at 10:00am.

The funeral service will be broadcast on Zoom for those who are not able to attend in person. Here is the Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/galesfuneral. Gale will be buried at a later date at the Newcastle Cemetery.  Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.

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