Clara Lenora West

Clara "Dudie" West died peacefully in her home on December 9, 2018, surrounded by loving family and friends. Nicknamed at birth after her mother, Dudie was a woman of warmth, integrity, love, faith, hard work, service, loyalty, and humor. Born on October 14, 1922 in Springfield, Ohio, Clara Lenora Heine was raised by two loving parents, George and Elsie Marie Heine, who nurtured her love of school and sports. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings George and Emeline, and her wonderful and devoted husband, Donald West.

Dudie graduated from Enon High School and briefly attended Miami University. Soon after returning to Springfield, Dudie fell in love with Don, "the love of her life." They were married on September 20, 1941. She is survived by their daughters, Carolyn Kovacs (Gabe) and Kathy Meyer, both of Columbus, Ohio. She was known as Grandma by her adoring and adored grandchildren-Michael Kovacs, Charlotte, NC; Anne Kovacs Berutti (Steve), Glen Ridge, NJ; Rand Meyer, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and Kristin Meyer Huggins (Craig), Austin, TX-and as GGMA by her loving and beloved great-grandchildren, Dylan and Ryan Berutti, Dolly Rue Huggins, and Brandon Kovacs. Additionally, Dudie is survived by her niece, Becky Winters, and great-nephew, Dustin Winters, of Springfield; and niece Mary Ann Cherry (John), and great-nephews and great-niece, James, Jeff, Brian, Patrick, Elizabeth, Indianapolis, IN, and John, Orlando, FL. Dudie will also be greatly missed by her other relatives and her many dear friends.

Dudie began her long career in education as a school secretary, and retired as the Treasurer of the Mad River-Green Local Schools (now Greenon Local Schools). Upon retirement, she used her financial expertise in service to the Springfield Community Hospital Auxiliary for many years.

Dudie's family is deeply grateful for the loving care she received over the last few years from the staff at Summit Home Care and Right At Home In-Home Care and Assistance. Lastly, the care and support provided by Summit Hospice in Dudie's final days was a blessing.

A celebration of her life will be held at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221 on July 6th at 3:00 p.m. (reception immediately following the service). Please visit www.Schoedinger.com for details and to share a memory of Dudie. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Clara West's Memorial Fund at Rocky Point Chapel, 3928 Old Mill Rd, Springfield, OH 45502.