Claire DeBoer

Claire Marie DeBoer, 85, went home to be with her Heavenly Father and the loved ones waiting there for her on September 28, 2016. Claire was born on December 18, 1930 to Clarence and Helen Marie Fultz. Along with her beloved sisters, Helene and Mavis, Claire attended a tiny, rural one-room schoolhouse. Through the stories she shared, it was clear that Claire’s lifelong love of teaching began there when she was given the opportunity to tutor her younger classmates. On March 24, 1956, Claire married the love of her life, Ted DeBoer. Together they raised two daughters, Tina and Lori, who grew up knowing the steadfast and unconditional love of their parents. Claire and Ted enjoyed traveling and family camping trips. Later in life, they loved having all six of their active, often mischievous, grandchildren for weekends at their country home. Family was at the center of their lives. Once her daughters were in junior high, Claire made the decision to return to college. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching credential from California State University, Fresno. Claire’s career as an educator spanned more than 30 years, first as a classroom teacher and later as a reading specialist. She was both passionate and tireless about teaching small learners to read, and colleagues said that she never gave up on a child whose literacy had been entrusted to her. Claire will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted DeBoer; her daughter, Lori Helen Ainley; and great-granddaughter, Bethany Renee Phillips. She is survived by her daughter, Tina Marie Blimling; sons-in-law, Ron Blimling and Frank Ainley, Jr.; her grandchildren, Frank Ainley, III (Saty), Marissa Blimling (Jamie Williams), Ted Ainley (Lori), Rochelle Wileman (Kenny), Corinne Manes (Kyle), Danielle Phillips (Ross); and the precious twelve great-grandchildren who brought joy to her heart and a sparkle to her blue eyes. The family would like to invite those who knew and loved Claire to join them for a celebration of her life on Wednesday, October 5th at the Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia. The service will begin at 10:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest in a private graveside service. For those who would like to honor Claire’s legacy as an educator, remembrances or donations of books for children from birth to age 7 may be made to Read for Life (Attention: Susan Graves) at P.O. Box 3342, Visalia, California, 93278.

Claire DeBoer

December 18, 1930 - September 28, 2016