Clara Dorothy Ortman

Moundridge - Clara Dorothy Ortman passed away January 18th, 2015, at Pine Village, Moundridge, KS. She was born in Newton, KS, to William and Mary (Scheffler) Stahl on December 11, 1928. She attended a small country grade school, Kellas School, and graduated from Newton High in 1947. Clara married Ernest Krieger on March 17, 1948, and they had two children, Joyce Elaine and Dale Eugene. Ernie passed away in a tragic accident in January, 1956. Clara married Albert Ortman on November 22, 1957, with Rita Kay and Rachel Bertine joining the family circle, raising them as her own. Albert passed away on November 8, 2008. Clara then moved to Assisted Living at Pine Village. Clara was a farmer's wife, homemaker, and loving mother to her children. She enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing, gardening, and loved growing flowers and feeding the birds. She was always busy, whether helping Bert plow the fields, milking the cows, butchering chickens and hogs, she could do it all. She enjoyed entertaining friends and family. Clara loved to square dance, play cards, and enjoyed craft work. Clara was a faithful member of the First Mennonite Church of Halstead and involved in many church committees. She was active in the Friendship Sunday School Class, Mary Martha's, Mission Society, "76" Quilters. Clara was also a 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, Bible School Director at Liberty Grade School where she was actively involved in her children's activities. She was an active EHU member and involved in Pine Village Women's Auxiliary. After moving to Pine Village Assisted Living, she enjoyed playing cards each evening and enjoyed being on the Wii's Bowling Team. She told her family "I am going home to see Jesus, and 1 can't wait." She stated, "Our family was raised as one big happy family and all turned out wonderful!" She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved getting together. Survivors include: Son, Dale (Janet) Ortman of Moundridge; Daughters, Rachel (Jim) Ellis., Pensacola FL., Joyce (Kris) Lindenberger., Inman, Rita (Dean) Allmon of Lincoln, KS. Clara was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Carl Stahl, Newton, sisters-in-law, Ethel Stahl, Wichita and Leah (Ortman) Toews, McPherson.Graveside service 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Halstead Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the First Mennonite Church, Halstead. Friends may call Wednesday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Moundridge Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Pine Village or First Mennonite Church, Halstead.

Clara Dorothy Ortman

December 11, 1928 - January 18, 2015