Clara Mae Counts, 87, passed April 29, 2024, at her home in Olympia, Washington.

Clara was born on May 5, 1936, in Aberdeen, Washington to Edward Francis and Josphine Ann (Mellon) Barriault. Clara lived most of her life in Aberdeen. At a young age she started work as a waitress at the Mint. At the age of 21 she became a mixologist and worked at many of the clubs and bars on the Harbor.

Clara married Hugh Michael Counts on October 29, 1954. She later became a poker player, opening up several card rooms. She became the best woman poker player for the Northwest. She dealt the World Series of poker and later played in it. She retired as a head dealer at the Little Creek Casino

She along with her partner were owners of Counts General Contracting from 1984 to 2005. Clara was a member of Aberdeen VFW Post 224 and the Aberdeen Eagles and the 40 et 8.

Clara is survived by three daughters: Cyndy Counts Hayes, Diane Counts Johnson, and Lori Kay Counts. She is survived also by one son Michael W Counts. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Clara was preceded in death by a daughter Shelley Counts.

There will be a celebration of life in Aberdeen at the 40 et 8 Club, 2313 Simpson Avenue, on Saturday, June 1, at 2 p.m.

A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.