Clara Catherine Best

BEST Clara Catherine (Age 93) Was born on December 22, 1919, entered into eternal rest on May 21, 2013 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Richardton, ND to Frank and Tillie Renner, the third of five children. She is survived by her son Gordon (Katherine); sister, Helen Ziegler; brother-in-law, Glade Best; sisters-in-law, Lois Renner and Marion Phelan; and her dearly loved nieces, nephews, and their families. Clara was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Wayne, in February 2013. We are all comforted by the thought of the two of them being reunited again. Following graduation in 1937 from St. Mary’s high school in Richardton, the family moved to Spokane. Clara met Wayne on July 4, 1941, in Coeur d’Alene, ID and they were wed on April 26, 1942. Following the birth of their son in May of 1943, Clara became a stay at home mom until 1957 when she was hired by Old National Bank, where she worked herself up from being a teller to assistant manager. Twenty two years later, she retired and remembered every person who ever walked through the doors of the Shadle Park branch. Clara loved her career and her membership in the American Business Women’s Association, but at the same time remained a loving mother. Travel and golf became a big part of her retired life. Clara looked forward to winter stays in Hawaii and opportunities to visit Europe where her son and daughter-in-law were stationed for seven years. Clara was a gentle lady and will be missed by all whose lives she touched. Clara had a strong abiding faith which provided comfort following Wayne’s death. She always had a smile and a hug for a friend. A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff and residents of Brookdale Place at Northpointe Senior Living, you made the last five years especially enjoyable. Donations may be made to in Clara’s name to the St. Joseph Catholic Church 3720 E. Colbert Rd., Colbert, WA 99005. A “Celebration of Life” memorial service will begin at 10:30AM on Friday, June 14, 2013 at Riplinger Funeral Home 4305 N Division in Spokane, WA