Obituary of Clarence Richard Woodhurst
Clarence R. 'Bud' Woodhurst, Sr. passed away at his home in Chino Valley on October 26, 2008 with his granddaughter, Rebecca Reichard, at his side; he was 87. Born in Pullman, Washington on September 24, 1921, Bud lived his young adult life in Southern California graduating from Pasadena City College with a degree in Engineering. He enlisted in the Army during World War II. However, prior to deployment he received an honorable discharge to serve his country building airplanes at Lockheed. While working at Russell, Burdsall & Ward (RB&W) he met and married the love of his life, Ellen Clark Freeman. While on a cross-country trip in 1964, Bud fell in love with the Chino Valley area and decided that some day he would like to live here. He was able to move his family from Hacienda Heights, CA in January 1973. Bud owned and operated the Chino Valley Shell gas station along with his son Buddy until the early eighties. He was a respected businessman and member of this community. Bud was a life member of the National Rifle Association. Bud was a loving husband, father, and grandpa who lived and enjoyed his life to the fullest; he was deeply loved and respected, all of his family will miss him. Whether at work or play, Bud put his all into whatever he did with integrity. Throughout his life, Bud enjoyed his family; he would often find time to play with his children and grandchildren, he was young-at-heart. Before Alzheimer's stole his mind, he had a sharp wit and was quick to use it. He loved working with his hands, playing or listening to music, camping, hunting, fishing and a host of other activities too numerous to mention here. He loved his job at Bar-S Machine, Inc. here in Chino Valley, where he worked full-time until he was 84. He never wanted to fully retire, he loved being busy. Bud is preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Clark Woodhurst, his daughters; Diane Louise Woodhurst and Linda Jo Owens. His father, Ira E Woodhurst, and mother Helen Heywood Woodhurst. Bud is survived by his children: Janalee Erkel, San Bernardino, CA; Sharon Lawson (Edward), Fort Lauderdale, FL; Susan Siegfried (Roy) and Bud Woodhurst (Pam) both of Chino Valley, AZ., his sister; Helen Woodhurst Carrier, Altadena, CA; 15 Grandchildren, 19 Great-Grandchildren, 4 Great-Great Grandchildren. A celebration of Bud's life will be held at the First Southern Baptist Church in Chino Valley on, Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 3:00 Pm. interment will held be at Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, CA.