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Clara Williams, 98 year old Woodward resident passed away, Wednesday April 16, 2025 in Buffalo, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in the First Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Billings Funeral Home.
Clara Rose (Carey) Williams, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and dear friend, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on April 16, 2025, at the age of 98. She was born on March 14, 1927, in Keenan, Oklahoma, to Roy and Pearl Carey. Clara arrived a bit ahead of schedule, with her grandmother Lucas delivering her, as the doctor had not yet arrived.
Clara attended grade school in Fairview and Woodward, Oklahoma, and later went on to East High School in Wichita, Kansas.
Clara's life was defined by faith, love, perseverance, and adventure. From an early age, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, always connecting with the world around her. She had a fearless spirit, often climbing trees just to be closer to the sky. One cherished childhood memory was climbing high into the branches to pray for her grandmother to come visit, so she could help wash the dishes. Clara and her two sisters were the only grandchildren of Sam and Eva Carey, who showered them with love and affection. One memorable Christmas, her father, Roy, crafted a beautiful wooden crib, and their grandparents gifted each of the girls a doll-a gift that sparked a lifelong passion for dolls. Over the years, Clara would amass an extensive and treasured collection of dolls.
On February 4, 1946, Clara married Willard Guthrie, and the couple settled southeast of Woodward, Oklahoma, where they farmed. Life on the farm, especially without electricity, was filled with challenges. However, Clara found peace in the quiet evenings. She often took her young daughters outside to sit under the stars, waiting for Willard to finish his work, finding comfort in the stillness of the land.
Clara worked as an instructor at Cowdens Manufacturing in Woodward from 1954 to 1957. Later, as a single mother of three daughters, she worked the night shift at the Polly Anna Café in Woodward. It was there that she met Albert Williams, who would stop by for coffee after livestock auctions. Although Clara never quite remembered the exact moment he asked her out, their love story began soon after, and they were married on January 24, 1959, in Clovis, New Mexico.
Together, Clara and Albert built a loving home in Woodward, where they raised five children and operated a small trailer park. In 1964, they moved to Albert's childhood family farm west of Freedom, Oklahoma. Though Clara initially had reservations about rural life, she embraced it with grace and determination. She meticulously managed the farm's records and prepared countless meals for harvest crews. A devoted mother, she always found time to support her children's events and activities, no matter how busy life became.
In 1966, Clara began what would become a nearly 30-year career as a school bus driver for Freedom Public Schools, a job she genuinely loved. She balanced her responsibilities with the district while also working as a bookkeeper for the Freedom Farmers Coop until 1980. Clara later returned to the Freedom Public Schools in 1985, resuming her bus driving duties while also driving the bus for the Vo-Tech school in Alva. During this time, she enrolled in a woodworking class and even rebuilt her entire kitchen cabinetry. Clara took great pride in her work and found deep purpose in serving her community through each of these roles.
After retiring from her successful career in accounting, Clara continued to contribute her skills and dedication to the agricultural community by serving as the recording secretary for the Barzona Cattle Breeders Association. Her service over the years left a lasting impact and was deeply appreciated by the membership she served.
Travel was another great joy in Clara's life. She loved exploring new places and cherished cruises with her sister and daughters to destinations like Alaska, Canada, and the Caribbean. Clara also made unforgettable trips to Brazil with her daughter Cindy and to Australia with her husband Albert-experiences she spoke of with joy and fondness.
After retiring from her successful career in accounting, Clara continued to contribute her skills and dedication to the agricultural community by serving as the recording secretary for the Barzona Cattle Breeders Association. Her service over the years left a lasting impact and was deeply appreciated by the membership she served.
In 2000, Clara and Albert returned to Woodward while continuing to farm and ranch west of Freedom. It was during this time that a close friend invited Clara to church, and she began attending regularly. On October 17, 2017, Clara made the deeply meaningful decision to be baptized at the First Baptist Church in Woodward, publicly affirming her faith and devotion to Christ.
Clara is survived by her five children: Darlene Carter of Del City; Cynthia Guthrie and Carolyn Guthrie, both of Woodward; Dr. Robert E. Williams and wife Nancy of Kansas City, Missouri; and Willie E. Williams and wife Betsy of Yukon. She also leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren-each one a testament to her enduring love and the family she nurtured.
She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Williams, her parents, Roy and Pearl Carey; her sisters, Mollie Moser and Esther Dobrinski; two granddaughters, Jessica Scruggs and Tina Wiseman; and two great-grandsons, Timothy A. Smith and Everett J. Kringe.
Clara will be remembered for her grace, strength, and the love she so freely gave. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her story will continue to inspire generations to come.
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