Clara Chaput

Clara Chaput, 94, of Walhalla, ND passed away Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Pembillier Nursing Center in Walhalla. Funeral services will be held Friday December 16, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla. Visitation will be held Thursday December 15, 2016 from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.

Clara was born on March 31, 1922 at home in the Fremont District northwest of Walhalla, to Joseph and Blanche (Richotte) Graveline. Clara attended country school near her home and graduated high school from Walhalla Public High in 1941. She attended secretarial college in Park River and accepted a position at the Cavalier County Courthouse in Langdon.

On February 12, 1945, Clara was united in marriage to Henry Chaput, her husband of 60 years, until his death in 2005. They made their home on the farm in the Poplar Grove area, southwest of Walhalla, where they raised their 6 children.

Clara was a dedicated homemaker where she enjoyed cooking, baking and taking care of her family. Many winters were spent in Long Beach, CA. Traveling back and forth from ND to CA made for busy times for Clara, as 3 children were born in Long Beach and 3 were born in Langdon.

Clara loved to play the piano and dance. She was born with an ear for music and she could play by memory with a melody in her mind. She entertained for many events and family gatherings. Clara and Henry rarely missed a dance where they enjoyed socializing with family and friends.

As the family grew older and active in school activities, you could find Clara at the gym watching her boys playing and girl cheerleading at basketball games, she wore out several pencils keeping track of scores, fouls, free throws etc. She had every stat in her little notebook.

Clara is survived by her six children: Richard (Marianne) Chaput of Fountain Valley CA; Stan (Patty) Chaput, Fargo ND; Larry Chaput, Mesa AZ; Pauline (Brad) Benson Aberdeen SD; Paul (Lisa) Chaput Huntington Beach, CA; and Pat (Joan) Chaput, Walhalla ND; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry, one brother Albert Graveline, sisters: Marianne Body, Alma Geir and one infant sister.