Clary Helen (Houser) DeRemer

With profound sorrow, we announce that Clary Helen (Houser) DeRemer passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 2:00pm. Surrounded by her loving family—her husband Ken, sons KC, Wyatt, and Ben, and sister Janeé—Clary peacefully departed this world at Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, Oregon, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. True to her indomitable spirit, Clary Skied Her Last Run with true mettle, leaving behind a legacy that showcased her deep love for family and the great outdoors.

Born on March 24, 1953, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon, to Charles Harrison (CH) Houser and Doreen Patricia (Dillard) Houser, Clary was the second oldest of seven children. After her parents separated, she welcomed a loving stepmother Janice Marie (Gooding) Houser, and two new sisters, as well as a stepbrother and stepsister through her stepfather Darrell Duane DeWhitt.

Clary was someone who lived each day to its fullest. She loved all seasons—kayaking, biking, gardening; she did it all. However, she was perhaps best known as an avid skier, embracing her philosophy to hit the slopes each season for as many days as her years of life—just this past season, she proudly exceeded 70 days!

Clary graduated from Mark Morris High School in 1971, after attending Kellogg, St. Peters Catholic School, and John Marshall High School. She earned her nursing degree from Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington. Babies were her business, and after working at Monticello Medical Center and St. John Medical Center in Longview, Washington, she dedicated nearly three decades to the Neonatal, Nursery, and Labor and Delivery wards at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon as a Registered Nurse. In 1986, Clary married Kenneth Francis Lyle DeRemer, and they had their first son, Kenneth Charles (KC), followed by twins, Wyatt Ross and Benjamin James, in 1989.

Following the passing of her parents, Clary became the matriarch and historian of the extended Houser, Dillard, DeWhitt, and DeRemer families. She bonded the family with the strength of superglue, hosting camping trips, gatherings, and maintaining frequent contact through calls. Clary is survived by her husband Ken, sons KC, Wyatt, and Ben, as well as her brothers—Samuel (Sam), Howard (Howie), Robin (Rob), and Robert (Cousin Bobby), her sisters—Doris (Dorbie), Mildred (Millie), Myrtle (Barbara), Elizabeth (Bobo), Charneé, Janeé, Michele (Shellie), Elise (Cousin Lisa), and Amber (Her Best Friend), her stepmother Janice (Jan), and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, all of whom were profoundly touched by her vibrant personality and resilience. Clary was a beacon of strength and positivity, having kicked cancer’s butt not once, not twice, but three times, before her final battle.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 2:00pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, Oregon (520 W Powell Blvd). A live stream of the celebration will also be available on the funeral home’s website at https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/clary-deremer. Please upload a photo, send a note, or share a favorite memory with Clary on her obituary page of Bateman Carroll Funeral Home’s website at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed in her memory to the Optimist Youth Fund during the Celebration of Life, or mailed to 2025 Se Kelly Avenue, Gresham, Oregon 97080, a cause she passionately supported.

In keeping with Clary's love of life and adventure, we encourage guests to dress in a way that celebrates and reflects the energetic and vibrant life she lived. Outfits that remind you of a favorite adventure or happy moment shared with Clary are most welcome.

We invite friends, family, and all whose lives were touched by Clary to join us in celebrating her remarkable life. Who she was will forever inspire us all.

With Heartfelt Thanks,

The DeRemer Family