Clara Ault

Clara Ault, 86, formerly from the Dog House Pet Shop in Princeton for 30 years, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 4, 2021 in Peoria with friends and family present. While all too sudden, in true Clara fashion, she left this world amidst a backdrop of fireworks illuminating the darkness.

She was born May 14, 1935 in Oakville, Iowa the daughter of Kermit and Sophronia (Wonders) Campbell. Clara graduated from Wapello High School, where she proudly led the marching band as drum majorette.  She lived in Orlando, Florida where she raised her children.  In 1976, Clara moved to Princeton, Illinois.  It was in Princeton where she met Roger Ault.  They were married on September 7, 1980.  Clara and Roger owned and operated the Dog House Zootique in Princeton for several decades.

A second chance at love and marriage for both, Roger and Clara, made the most of their 40 years together.  They enjoyed traveling, spoiling their grandchildren, raising Labrador Retrievers, and hosting parties for all their friends.

She is survived by her husband, Roger Ault of Apache Junction, AZ; three children: Russell Sligh of Tiskilwa, IL, Darrelyn Sligh of Princeton, IL, and Michelle (Jeff) Flinn of Prescott, AZ; four grandchidlren: Rachel Flinn Weeks, Michael (Nicky) Flinn, Kathleen Flinn, and Russell Sligh, II; two great-grandchildren: Eliza Francis and Cary Jo Flinn; one brother, Darrel (Shirley) Campbell of Burlington, IA and several nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Nellie McElhinney, one brother, Lynn Campbell in infancy, and numerous pets.

Clara was beloved by many.  She was known as Aunt Clara or Grandma Clara to a large number of people, most of whom were not related by blood or marriage.  That was Clara’s gift. Anyone who needed a mother, sister, friend, auntie, or grandma could count on Clara for an ear to listen and shoulder to cry on.  She could make one forget their troubles for a moment by cracking a perfectly timed joke.

Clara was a talented seamstress and a professional dog groomer. These skills came together every year at Halloween.  She created elaborate hand-made costumes for her children, and then grandchildren.  Many of the costumes incorporated one of Clara’s immaculately groomed and very well-behaved dogs. 

In 2008, Roger and Clara chose to leave Midwest winters behind and retire in Apache, Junction, Arizona.  Due to her quick wit and outgoing personality, Clara easily adapted to life in the desert.  She could often be found at the local watering hole playing darts or farkel with her friends, or sipping a Coors Light on the back porch. Everyone was welcome to stop by Clara and Roger’s house- no invite necessary. 

She was a member of several organizations including the Apache Junction Mounted Rangers in Arizona, the Elks, the Moose, and the Eagles

Our Lady Clara will also be remembered for her Scottish heritage.  She loved all things Campbell- from her family tartan to her phone’s bagpipe ringtone.  The Campbell family crest features the motto: “Ne Obliviscaris”, which means Never Forget.  In a life-well-lived, Clara certainly embodied that sentiment.  She leaves behind a trove of memories and loads of laughs that will be passed down to future generations. 

A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at the Bunker Hill Church, Buda, Illinois. Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society or the Bunker Hill Church, Buda, Illinois. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.