Clina Violet Sargent

Clina Violet Sargent passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at Providence St. Mary Medical Center after a loving and richly lived life. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends whom she held so dear. Viewing will be held at Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 4 from 5-7 PM. She will be laid to rest on Wednesday, June 5 at 11:00 AM at Mountain View cemetery.

Clina was born on November 13, 1907 to Steven and Hattie Robinson Bates at their home on Blue Creek near Walla Walla. She attended grade school at the Blue Creek School, a schoolhouse built by her maternal grandfather. Clina would walk to school from her family’s farm or would ride her horse side-saddle on days when the weather was poor. The youngest of six siblings, Clina often recalled her childhood as a time brimming with happiness and love. A woman ahead of her time, Clina graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1927 with aspirations to attend business college.

In 1941, she married Carl White. The couple purchased property across the street from Jefferson Park to begin their business, White’s Nursery. Their property included their home and two greenhouses. The couple also rented a plot down the street and together raised their nursery stock of evergreens, vegetables and berries. Clina had a wonderful green thumb, and immensely cherished this time in her life. She warmly recalled how much she enjoyed her customers. Mr. White died in 1964.

In 1969, Clina married Fred Sargent. Together, they continued to operate White’s Nursery until their retirement in 1972. The couple purchased a home on Locust Street, a neighborhood that Clina loved being a part of. She lived there for the rest of her life. Clina built treasured friendships with her neighbors and continued to entertain them in her home until her death. She was a thoughtful and wonderful friend. After Mr. Sargent died in 1982, Clina maintained an independent and active lifestyle until her final days. Her favorite activities included growing roses and vegetables around her home, writing letters and sending greeting cards, traveling with her sister, and visiting with her many friends.

Clina was the bedrock of her family which includes nephews Joseph (Billeye) Sargent of Kennewick, Roy (Abelina) Poirier of Waitsburg, William Poirier of Milton-Freewater, niece Karen Fields of Walla Walla and numerous great-nieces and nephews whom Clina loved visiting with and encouraging.

Clina died as she lived, with grace, dignity, and love. She was preceded in death by her spouses, parents, and siblings.