Clara Arnold

Clara Joan Arnold, 94, of Lawrence, Ks died Sat Jan 12, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born March 17, 1924 in Coalgate Oklahoma to Walter Travis and Chistena Mae Green. She moved to Tupelo, Oklahoma as a young child with her parents and siblings, Walter Green, John Green and Nona Milestone. She graduated from Tupelo High School.

On July 1, 1943, she married Milton B. Arnold. She had 3 children. Ron K. Arnold (Leanne), Karen L. Miller and Lesa G. Chamberlin (Schuyler Lister). They moved to Washington, DC after marrying where they resided for several years during World War II while Milton worked for the FBI. They returned to Ada, Oklahoma where they lived until 1963. Clara and family moved to Lawrence in 1963 so Milton could pursue his teaching career at Haskell University. She was a homemaker for many years while raising children and participating fully in many volunteer activities. She was President & Treasurer for the PTA in both Ada and Lawrence and Den Mother for the Cub Scouts. She was involved at many levels in the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Circle, No Name Club, March of Dimes and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. After raising her children she began working at Weaver’s Dept. Store from 1982-1997. She often spoke of how much she enjoyed helping and meeting those who shopped at Weaver’s. She volunteered at Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) for 17 years, her last day being just the week before she left this earth. She loved connecting with people, those she knew well and those she didn’t. She always felt a strong desire to give back and truly lived that life completely, as a true Christian.

Clara was a wonderful daughter, wife and amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother and loyal friend. She had the most beautiful laugh and endearing hello. She understood the power of a smile. She was savvy with tools, could sew a beautiful garment and cook a wonderful meal. To know her was to love her. Clara will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her brother, John Green (Mariuse) of Stillwater Oklahoma, sister in law Doris Green of Stillwater, Oklahoma, her 3 children and their respective spouses, 4 grandchildren, Kelsey Hoobler (Evan), of Baldwin City, Ks. Anthony Arnold (Kayle), Alex Chamberlin, Kathleen Chamberlin, of Lawrence and 6 great grandchildren, Ryder, Brantly, Trace and Rowen Hoobler and Nova and A’mariana Arnold.

Memorial services for Clara will be January 20, 2019 at 1:30 pm at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home. Internment at Oak Hill Cemetery will be announced at a later date.

We sincerely appreciate all the wonderful and kind people from VNA Hospice Care. Thank you all for your loving help and guidance. You are truly special people.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), First United Methodist Church and March of Dimes, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com