Clara DeRoest

Clara May (Adams) DeRoest, of Baker City, OR, received her angel wings on June 24, 2026.

Clara May was born on April 5, 1938, in Baker, OR, to William and Clara (Sturm) Adams. She grew up with five brothers on what was the Baisley estate, which her parents purchased in 1936. She graduated from Baker High School and married the love of her life, James W. DeRoest Sr. Together, they were blessed with four children: James Jr., Deborah, Christine, and William.

After her husband, Jim, retired from Safeway in 1993, Clara May and Jim moved back to Baker City, where they settled down, working the family farm that Jim was raised on.

Clara May’s passions in life were her faith, her family, and her community. She was a leader in Cub Scouts and 4-H for her children. She was an active member of Soroptimist and Altar Society. She loved crocheting sweaters and blankets for loved ones, and while living in Hood River, she filled her days providing loving care to multiple families’ children.

Later in life, she and her husband, Jim, raised cattle and hay as the third generation to farm the family land. They also led the music ministry at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in North Powder, OR, and sang for many weddings and events at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral. After Jim’s passing, Clara May rented out the pasture, as she could not manage it all on her own. She loved watching the cows and horses, as well as the other animals that blessed this beautiful land.

To honor Clara May, we ask that you please join us in this family tradition: stop by your local Dairy Queen to pick up an ice cream cone, and then head to Mt. Hope, or your local cemetery, to say hi to your loved ones.

Clara May is survived by her children, James Jr. (Jim) and his wife, Meleece, Deborah (Debbie) Jameson, Christine (Chris), and Denyse (Deni); five granddaughters, Christian, Rachael, Sephora, Arkady, and Corynne; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Clara; her husband, Jim; her son, William (Billy); her son-in-law, Chuck Jameson; and five brothers.

The family of Clara May would like to express their appreciation to all the staff at Enhabit and Heart ’n Home Hospice for the wonderful care they gave our mom.

A celebration rosary and Mass for Clara May’s life will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on July 13 at 12:30 PM for the Rosary and 1:00 PM for Mass. After Mass, please join the family for coffee and desserts in the parish hall of the church.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Clara May’s memory may direct them to St. Francis Food Bank and/or The Stained Glass Restoration Project through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.