Clara Margaret Kotch

Clara Margaret Kotch (née Mohr), age 95, passed away in her sleep on August 9, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Born on January 3, 1929, in Clifford, Indiana, to Charles and Mabel Mohr, CM, as her immediate family knew her, or Clare, as most knew her as an adult, was the third of seven children and Charles and Mabel’s second daughter.

After graduating from Columbus High School in 1947, Clare attended Rice Institute, now known as Rice University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 1951. She married Arthur Kotch shortly after graduation in June 1951. Her professional career began with a position teaching junior high school English over the 1951-52 school year, but she found her true calling as Advisor to Women at Rice Institute from 1952 to 1955. In late 1955, she and husband Arthur began their family. In addition to raising her family, Clare continued to assist Arthur as the bookkeeper of his architectural practice, and she remained in that role until Arthur’s passing in 1997. She also spent time volunteering in various positions for the Rice Women, an alumni organization, and later, after her children were grown, the Blue Bird Circle.

Throughout her long life, Clare was lovingly devoted to Arthur and her children and their spouses, Brant Kotch (Linda), Alison Morledge (David), and Hunter Kotch (Holly), and later, her nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was survived by her three children as well as her brother, Charlie Mohr of Gainesville, Florida, and sister, Marty McCarty of Scottsdale, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur, and her siblings, Betty Holder, Bill Mohr, Ann Daniel, and Alan Mohr.

A favorite memory of their mother which her children hold dear was the joy that Clare always expressed when spending time with her grandchildren in the summer at “Camp MiMi.” Their parents could get away for a few days and Clare would keep them thoroughly engaged with a variety of activities (and lots of visits to the drawer where she always kept new toys).

In remembrance of Clare, contributions may be made to Friends of Fondren Library at Rice University.

The family has entrusted Crespo Funeral Home in Houston, Texas, with the arrangements. Clare's life and contributions will be honored and remembered by all who loved and knew her.