Clara ‘Scrappy’ Lewis Yallum, 83, of Kingston
Clara “Scrappy” Lewis Yallum, 83, died on May 24, 2018. She was born in Kingston, N.Y., to Howard and Margaret Lewis, and grew up on West Chestnut Street. During her childhood, Scrappy spent a lot of time enjoying nature, playing tennis, rowing, and mingling with family friends at the Winnisook Club. She said that Winnisook was the best gift her parents ever gave her.
Scrappy graduated from Bennett College in 1955. From there she moved to California with first husband, George V. Hutton Jr., and later returned to Kingston, where they raised their family. Scrappy served on boards, including Ulster Academy, and started a tennis boutique at Yallum’s, which later became the ladies department. After marrying second husband Robert Yallum in 1979, Scrappy studied at the Woodstock School of Art, and became a painter and an art teacher, both of which became lifelong passions. She created the Hudson Valley Collective over 30 years ago and organized annual art shows. In addition to her love of art, she had many dogs, from Happy to Bella, NoMore to Ginger, and lots and lots in between. They were her constant furry companions.
An ardent lover of the outdoors, Scrappy’s enjoyment of sports was matched only by her pleasure in delving into the fascinating secrets of nature itself — from the birds of the air to the intricacies of marine life and oceanography. But the great indoors had its attractions, too, where books, music, painting, and people were her delight.
Scrappy found beauty and joy in the unexpected, enriching many lives with her unshakable good cheer. Passionate, witty, fun, and generous, Scrappy embraced life with zest, style and humor.
Scrappy is survived by five children: Sara Hutton Schaeffer (Phillip), Paula Hutton McKinley (Michael), Andrew Hutton, Patrick Hutton (Sarah), and Suzanne Yallum; five grandchildren, Ian Hutton Schaeffer, Eleanor Hutton McKinley, Pisut Hutton, Olivia Hutton and Emilie
Hutton; many nieces and nephews; and her wonderful and wide group of friends.
She was predeceased by two sisters, Margaret and Olive, and son, Mark Yallum. Her beloved husband of 33 years, Robert Yallum, died in 2012.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 31, 2018, at noon at SimpsonGaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave.
Inurnment will be private.
Scrappy’s family wishes to thank her caregivers at Golden Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Friends of Historic Kingston, P.O. Box 3763, Kingston, N.Y. 12402, or to the Ulster County SPCA, 20 Wiedy Road, Kingston, N.Y. 12401. Online condolences may be left for the family of Clara by visiting www.simpsongaus.com.