Clarene Dye Chesnut
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Clarene Dye Chesnut passed away peacefully on Monday, September 6, 2021. She was 91. Clarene was born on June 27, 1930 in Turpin, Oklahoma to J.C. (Clarence) and Irene Nickeson Dye. At age six, Clarene's mother passed away after contracting dust pneumonia during the dust bowl days, leaving Clarene and three younger siblings. J.C. later married Fern Jones and a new sister joined the family. Three more children were born to this union, making Clarene the oldest of eight.
Clarene was valedictorian of Dalhart High School and attended Pan-handle State University. She married Bill Chesnut on February 3, 1949. They moved to Lubbock and lived in a tiny trailer while she worked and Bill finished his college degree and were happily married for 71 years until his death on January 11, of this year.
Clarene was the mother of four children and spent her life in the service of them and others. In addition to caring for her family, and blessing them with her famous cinnamon rolls, she was a business-woman. She had a keen mind for business and finance and kept books for the farm and cattle operations and owned and operated a successful seed dealership. Clarene was a hospice volunteer with Olivia's Angels in Dalhart and a member of St. James Episcopal Church. She was an expert bridge player, cook, seamstress and gardener. Not many gophers escaped her coming after them in the Gator. She had many loving friends and family.
Clarene was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, J.C. and Irene and her stepmother, Fern; three brothers, Chet, Phil and John; two sisters, Rita Elliott and Rogene Jones; and a grandson-in-law, William Bentley. She is survived by one sister, LaMoyne Christy, one brother, Jerry Dye (Lynn) and one brother-in-law, Bobby Elliott, two sisters-in-law, Gussie McDermett and Merle Morrison; Four children, Vanna Sheets (Bob), Leslie David (John), Jeff Chesnut (Denise) and Nick Chesnut (Susan). She was called "Nana" and loved by eleven surviving grandchildren: Alison, Lauren, Travis (Lindsay), Katy (Wes), Madison, Lizzy, Gus, Maggie, Abbie (Dustin), Sierra and Allison as well as twelve great grandchildren. Aunt Clarene was also survived by 21 nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Comfort Care Homes for taking such good care of Clarene in the last years.
A private service will be held to inter her ashes.