Clara Gatzke Obituary

Clara Mae Gatzke

May 28, 1935 - September 20, 2024

Kennewick, Washington - Clara Mae Gatzke was born May 28, 1935, in Weatherford, OK. Clara endured Alzheimer's for many years before going to be with the Lord on September 20, 2024, in Kennewick, WA. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Calvin Gatzke, her parents George and Pauline Deffenbaugh, brothers George and Jim, sister Virginia, and grandson Barry.

Clara and Calvin moved from Oklahoma to Washington in 1963 to find greater opportunities. They lived in Kennewick, where they raised their family.

Clara is survived by her children, Calvin Gatzke, Jr. (C.L.), Vivian Mueller, Wilma Barton, and Glen Gatzke. She has seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

She contributed to her family through several jobs, including child care, as a county extension agent, teaching cooking with basic ingredients, and as an assistant with an accounting firm.

Clara's hobbies were sewing, crocheting, card playing, and traveling but her favorite was gardening. She also volunteered within the community, enjoying serving as a Girl Scout leader and as a chaperone for the Columbians Drum & Bugle Corp. Clara also previously enjoyed scuba diving, and especially dancing with Seasoned Steppers.

A Celebration of Life for Clara will be November 15, 2024, at 4:00 pm at West Highlands United Methodist Church, 17 S Union St, Kennewick, WA 99336.