Clara Schlabaugh

Celebration of Life: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 10:30 AM East Union Mennonite Church, rural Kalona Burial: East Union Cemetery Visitation: Monday 2-7 Peterseim Funeral Home, Kalona Family present from 2-4 and 5-7 Memorial for Iowa Mennonite School or Hospice of Washington County. Clara Belle Bontrager Schlabaugh was born August 26, 1930 near Frytown in Johnson County. She was the daughter of Christopher and Viola Hershberger Bontrager. Clara Belle graduated from Kalona High School. She was baptized on November 7, 1943 at East Union Mennonite Church. On September 2, 1949 Clara Belle and Omar (Pete) Schlabaugh were united in marriage at East Union Mennonite Church. Clara was a longtime member of East Union Mennonite Church and served on the servcie committee, taught Bible School and Sunday School. She had many interests that included, gardening, golf and playing the guitar. Her family was always first in her life. Clara Belle is survived by her husband,Omar (Pete) Schlabaugh of Washington, five children: Diane Martin and husband Mick of Farmington, IA, Sandra of Wellman, Jeanna Stauffer and husband DeVon of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, Dawn and husband Ezra Schrock of Wellman and Michael Schlabaugh of Iowa City. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren; Jessica Martin, Eric Martin, Travis Graber, Katie Humston, Clay Stauffer, Domonic Stauffer, Megan Schrock, Kelsey Schrock, Grant Schlabaugh, Kaitlyn Schlabaugh, and Darien Schlabaugh, three great grandchildren; Jackson Schlabaugh, Colt Graber, and Deziree Stauffer and three siblings, Marlyn and wife Gladene Bontrager of Hesston, KS, Helen Miller of Hesston, KS and Marjorie Friesen of Newton, KS. Clara Belle was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Bette Messenger Carolyn Bontrager, and Velma Yoder. Clara Belle's family deeply appreciates all the many acts of kindness shown during her illness and death, with special thanks to Deb, Jayme, Elizabeth, Tom, Shawn and Paul of Hospice of Washington County.