Clara K. Vaught

Clara Katherine Vaught, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida, surrounded by loving family. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Born June 25, 1935, in Newburgh, Indiana, to Herman and Lydia Schnapf, Clara graduated from Chandler High School in 1953 as Valedictorian of her class. Shortly after, she met the love of her life, Richard, with whom she shared 50 years.

Clara worked at Arkla Servel for 27 years. She was a longtime member of Gateway Baptist Church, where she remained actively involved until relocating to Florida in 2024 to live with her daughter, Phyllis. Clara lived a life rich in love, laughter, and grace. She was always impeccably dressed—often in her favorite color, purple—and had a flair for style and a passion for shopping. She found joy in simple pleasures: tending to her garden, canning vegetables, sewing, baking her famous carrot cake and springerles, and playing countless rounds of Clabber.

Clara’s happiest moments were those spent with family and friends. Her unwavering devotion to her loved ones made her home a place of welcome, warmth, and cherished memories.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard; brother, Howard; sister, Margaret; her parents, Herman and Lydia, and grandson, Jason. She is survived by her sisters, Charlene and Irma (Hugh); her children, Joetta (Frank), Rick (Debbie), and Phyllis (Ralph); grandchildren, Ricky (Shannon), Tara (Terry), Amanda (Ryan), Kevin (Keith), and Korey (Alisha); seven great-grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews as well as many cherished friends.

Clara leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and unconditional love. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in all who knew her.

Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, with service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home in Newburgh, Indiana. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

To honor her memory, the family invites donations to Gateway Baptist Church in Newburgh. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com