Clara Belle Atkins

Clara Belle (Schmittou) Atkins of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away Thursday July 7, 2011 at War Memorial Hospital, with her family by her side. Clara was born September 2, 1925 in Dickson County Tennessee to Elijah W. and Ursa Lily (Woodward) Schmittou. She met Eugene Atkins when he was stationed at Camp Forrest in Tullahoma TN. She married him 6 weeks later after 5 dates. At the end of the War Clara and Eugene made their home in the Sault where they raised 5 children. Clara often said the biggest shock for her in the move to Michigan was that the weather was so cold (even in August). They were married for 56 ½ years prior to Eugene's passing. Clara loved to play cards and many nights of laughs were had over the winning or losing of a single nickel. Clara will always be remembered for the many quilts she made and donated to Veterans hospitals in Iron Mountain and Saginaw Michigan as well as Sunset Manor in the Sault. Clara loved to do crafting projects and for many years owned and operated a ceramic shop with her long time friend Sally LaMothe. She also put her creative talents to work creating flower arrangements for her church for many years. She also knitted many mittens that have been, over the many years, donated to local elementary schools through her church. Clara was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans auxiliary as well as a very active member of the Algonquin United Methodist church where she taught Sunday School for many years and was a member of the United Methodist Women's group. Clara was predeceased by her parents and her husband Eugene, her daughter-in-law Denise Atkins and son-in-law Alan Pratt, as well as two sisters, Lula Elizabeth, and Mildred Sutton and her brother Alva Schmittou. She is survived by her sister Jewel Bullard of Nashville TN, her three sons Bob (Bonnie), Bill, Jim (Bev), all of the Sault and two daughters Jeannie (John) O'Connor of Quincy, MA, and Rachel Pratt of the Sault. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Becky Collia, Peter (Michele) Pratt, Ryan (Sarah) and Abby Atkins both of Okemos Michigan and Emily Smith of the Sault. As well as step grandchildren Pat (Diana) Wilson, Laura (Joe) Shawhan, Shawn (Laurie) Wilson, and Aileen (Mike) Bitnar, as well as her great grandchildren Madelyn , Joshua, and Macy Collia; Taylor & Taryn Pratt; and "Bo" Atkins who is due to arrive July 24, 2011; Mia, Jordan, and Rachel Shawhan, Joshua & Justin LaCoursiere & Taylor Bitnar; and Samantha, Steven & Hailee Wilson. A memorial Service to celebrate Clara's life will be held on August 12th at 1:00 pm. at the Algonquin United Methodist Church. In Lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Algonquin United Methodist Church.

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Clara Belle Atkins

September 2, 1925 - July 7, 2011