Obituary Clarene Pabst Hanson
March 22nd, 1949 - January 4th, 2021
On Monday January 4th 2021, Clarene Pabst Hanson, hilarious and loving wife, mom, and oma, passed away from Covid-19 at the age of 71. Clarene was born on Tuesday March 22nd, 1949 to Wilda, Geraldine, Gale, Calvin, Brent, and Sandra Pabst. Two weeks prior to her birth, her father Clarence passed away from surgical complications. Family lore states that Clarence never wanted a child to be named after him. In an act of memorial and rebellion, his youngest daughter was given the name Clarene. That act of rebellion set the stage for Clarene’s life and put a mischievous sparkle in her eye.
At the age of 14 Clarene and a friend were playing a game of chicken on a busy Rigby road. Gaylon Hanson came barreling towards them and Clarene refused to move. So Gaylon loaded her in the car and drove her home. That encounter led to a 57-year relationship, 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and endless shenanigans. Gaylon and Clarene were notorious for taking Friday dates and spending weekends way on various adventures. They went through many phases over the course of their 51-year marriage: the disco lesson phase, the antique car show phase, the snowmobile phase, and the motorcycle phase. Each phase brought about a new obsession and lots of fun. During retirement they escaped to Arizona for the winters where Clarene fell in love with the desert and cultivated her lifelong obsession with rocks. She was a beloved member of her Arizona community and was known for her bright smile and contagious laugh.
Clarene was a teenage-whisperer and spent years working with the local youth through church callings. She loved to take them toilet papering on weekends and to Maverik during Sunday School. When the bishop questioned her unconventional methods she stated, “we’ve never had so many youths attend church, just look away”. Youth were drawn to her and the home she created. Her children were always bringing their friends home, and Clarene made sure to always have snacks, sodas, and a funny (and often times embarrassing) comment for each and every one of them. When her children became adults, she continued to befriend their friends. Her daughters’ best friends in Salt Lake City called her “Lurlene” and considered her “one of the girls”. She went on cruises, attended their 30th birthday proms, and was the only mother invited to girls’ night.
Clarene learned the value of friendship at a young age. As a small girl she said she was lonely so she prayed that God would send her a friend. She recounted that a few minutes later she heard a tiny meow and found a kitten that quickly became her pal. Clarene’s love of animals and friendship carried her throughout her life. She threw amazing holiday parties, was constantly dragging friends to town for a treat, and always had an animal (or 20) under her care.
Clarene was a well-known hair stylist and owned Clarene’s Little Butte Shop (named after the Annis Buttes). Her shop was always full of people and laughter and she considered each of her clients her friend. People trusted Clarene and as one friend over the last week noted, “she listened without judgement, that’s what made her so special”.
Clarene loved art and music and gifted these two loves to her children, raising musicians and artists. Some of her children’s fondest memories are that of learning how to clap to the beat of a tune, dancing in the kitchen, and attending concerts.
One of Clarene’s greatest joys was that of becoming a grandmother. She loved smothering her grandchildren with copious amounts of sugar, gifts, and love. Of all the roles she played in her life, that of “Oma” was her favorite.
Clarene leaves behind her husband (Gaylon); three children, Christopher (Jillian), Carrie (Justin) and Lori (Felicia); and grandchildren (Liam, Lincoln, Alina, Collin, Emily, Madison and Caleb). She is survived by her brothers Gale, Calvin, and Brent, and her sister Sandra. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Geraldine. Her family feels robbed by the pandemic that took her and so many others. In lieu of flowers we ask all to fiercely protect themselves and their loved ones by wearing a mask and socially distancing until this pandemic passes.
Clarene will be buried in a private service on Friday January 15th, 2021 at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. Once all have vaccines and it is safe to be together a large party will be thrown in her honor. If you would like to share a favorite story about Clarene that will be compiled into a book for her grandchildren, please email them to: tochanso@gmail.com
A celebration of life is being held at Friday, July 30th, at 6pm at the Menan stake shelter, 698 N 3600 E, Menan, ID 83434. The celebration of life will be held outside, so please bring a blanket or chair and there will be refreshments.
