Clarabell grew up with a love of creativity and family. As a child, she participated in 4-H, where her talent for baking earned her many awards. As a teenager, she worked at Kresge.
While attending Honey Creek High School, Clarabell met the love of her life, Charles Wright. She graduated from Honey Creek High School in 1957, and on April 5, 1958, she and Charles were married. The two lovingly called each other “Tweety.”
Clarabell and Charles built a life together filled with hard work, love, and determination. They worked side by side to dig a basement underneath their home and build an additional bedroom. Together, they could accomplish just about anything they set their minds to.
Her love of baking continued throughout her life. Clarabell baked and sold beautiful birthday and wedding cakes, sharing her talent and bringing joy to many families through her creations. Later in life, she worked in the Fuqua Elementary cafeteria, where all three of her children attended.
Clarabell was an accomplished seamstress who shared her talents generously with her family and friends. She made beautiful clothes for her children, quilts, and countless sets of doll clothes and pillows for her grandchildren. Her handmade creations were made with love and care, and today, these treasured pieces remain cherished possessions of those fortunate enough to have them.
Clarabell found joy in the simple things in life. She loved yard sales and could spend hours searching for a good deal or a special treasure. She had a lifelong love of music and sang in the choir at St. Mark United Church of Christ. She especially loved Elvis Presley and his music.
As a young girl, Clarabell loved baby dolls, but because money was tight, she was unable to have many of them. As an adult, she made that childhood dream come true by starting her own collection of baby dolls, which became a cherished part of her life.
Clarabell was devoted to her cats Tootsie and Callie, who held a special place in her heart. They brought her comfort and plenty of affection, and were beloved companions.
Of all the things she loved, her family held the most special place in her heart. Clarabell treasured being a grandmother and took great joy in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. Her family was her greatest accomplishment and her greatest source of happiness.
Clarabell was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Clara Handick; her beloved husband, Charles Wright; her son, Michael Wright; and her sisters, Dorothy Witty and her husband, Dayton, Mary Perucca and her husband, Joseph, and Helen Bridgewater and her husband Ed.
She is survived by her children, Sandy Shewmaker and her husband, Paul, and Thomas Wright and his wife, Cheryl; her grandchildren, Daniel Shewmaker; Matthew Shewmaker and his wife, Malia; Chris Wright and his wife, Danielle; Michael Wright Jr. and his wife Lindsay; Amber Wilson; and Cheyenne Wright; her great-grandchildren, Aubree and Carter Wright; Mia, Maggie, Madison, Maci, and Maple Shewmaker; and Elliott Branson; her sister, Joann Hoff and her husband, John; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Clarabell will be remembered for her generous spirit, her many talents, and the love she so freely gave to family and friends. She will live on through the many lives she touched and in the generations of family who will carry her legacy. Rest peacefully. You will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Donations in Clarabell's honor can be made to the following organizations: National Kidney Foundation, 911 East 86th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240 or St Mark United Church of Christ, 475 S Fruitridge Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803.
A visitation will take place on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 10am to 11am at Roselawn Funeral Home, 7500 N. Clinton Street, Terre Haute, IN. A funeral will immediately follow the visitation. Burial will conclude at Roselawn Memorial Park.
