DOVER-FOXCROFT – Carmelita Ruth (Clukey) Simila, 78, died June 8, 2012, at a Bangor hospital, after a long and difficult struggle with emphysema. She was born March 3, 1934, in Dover-Foxcroft, the only daughter of Lester and Edith (Miles) Clukey.
Growing up in Dover-Foxcroft, Carmelita graduated from Foxcroft Academy, class of 1952. Her childhood ambition was to become a nurse. She earned a nursing degree from the University of Maine and worked at Eastern Maine Medical Center, becoming head nurse of the surgical ward. In 1960 she enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Her first military assignment was at Letterman Army Medical Center, San Francisco. She was selected for training in the emerging field of cardiovascular nursing. Later Carmelita wrote a manual on intercardiac surgery and cardiovascular nursing. It became a standard in Army hospitals. At Letterman she was given the Evangeline Bovard Award for Outstanding Nurse. Carmelita’s next assignment was at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. While there she met Kenneth Simila, a graduate of West Point. Both captains volunteered for service in Vietnam and were sent there, Kenneth serving as an Army Ranger. Carmelita was sent to the 85th Evacuation Hospital in Quinon, becoming head of two surgical wards. She was then transferred to a field hospital that frequently came under attack. She served 11 months in Vietnam. Her decorations include Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Distinguished Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase II and II Campaign Medals, National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. In later years, Carmelita’s marriage ended. She achieved the rank of major with 10 years service, but had to accept an honorable medical discharge due to arthritis. Continuing with part time employment she finally had to give up her nursing career of 32 years. Other medical problems restricted her but she developed a new career of writing. She wrote and published 14 books of inspirational writings. She became a born again Christian and was a member of the Family Worship Center. She loved God, family and country, and was a friend to many.
Carmelita is survived by two brothers, David and Dale; a sister-in-law, Sandra; five nieces, Terri-Ann, Sindie, Dora, Vicki and Laura; four nephews, Dale Jr., David, Joe and Danny; many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Carleton; and her sister-in-law, Teresa.
Following Carmelita’s wishes, after cremation, burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Dexter, including a graveside ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Thompson Free Library, 186 East Main St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Memories and messages of condolence may be expressed at
www.laryfuneralhome.com.
May you now rest in peace! My beautiful aunt!