Clara Mae (Cam) Abell Harmston

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Clara Mae (Cam) Abell Harmston

1921 ~ 2019

Words cannot express our grief at the death of our beloved mother Clara Mae “Cam” Abell Harmston, age 97. She was the world’s best mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister and friend to all. She died of consequences of old age, surrounded by many loving family members.

Cam was born November 3, 1921 in Pueblo, Colorado to Joseph Ernest Abell and Clara Demetria Henkel, and was the youngest of seven children. She attended Pueblo Catholic High School, where she was class valedictorian. She also attended Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado and joined Delta Gamma Sorority. She married Gordon Eugene Harmston of Roosevelt, Utah on October 12, 1940 and settled in Colorado Springs. Gordon served in World War II, leaving Cam to raise the first two children alone in Roosevelt and Pueblo. After the war, they settled in Roosevelt and began the Frontier Grill in 1946, later adding the Frontier Motel in 1960. Cam was Uintah Basin District President of the Federated Women’s Club, volunteered in her six children’s schools, was a longtime member of St. Helen’s Altar Society, and belonged to many civic and bridge groups in Roosevelt, Salt Lake City and St. George.

She loved any activity or trip with her family, and being with her sweetheart of 63 years, Gordon. She was a dedicated member of the Catholic Church at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Salt Lake City, St. Helen Parish in Roosevelt, and St. George Parish.

She is survived by five of her loving children: Pam Benson, Gordie (Kay) Harmston, Holly (David) Ingersoll, Susan (Chad) Mullins, and Denise Blackett; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; loving nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gordon, daughter Kathy Bingham, son-in-law Kenneth Benson, granddaughter Anna Bingham and grandson Michael Ryan Mullins.

We would like to thank the family of Mele Taunauta for their excellent, loving care of Mom this past year and Signature Hospice and Home Health for their kindness and compassion.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on July 17 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Cam was laid to rest at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Please share your photos and memories with the family at www.starksfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sister Angela’s Emergency Relief Fund at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church, 1385 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117 or St. Helen’s Parish, 433 East 2nd North, P.O. Box 415, Roosevelt, Utah 84066.