Clara Holden

Clara Madeline Bollinger Holden passed away on Thursday May 8, 2014 at her home in Watertown, Wisconsin at the age of 92. Clara was born on July 20, 1921, the third daughter born to Lee Liborious and Mary Ann Stephenson Bollinger, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kansas. Clara had poor health as a child, but nonetheless was assigned light chores on the family farm. Early, she discovered books and a love of reading, but the activity which sustained her most throughout her life was her strong Catholic faith and close connection to God through meditation, daily prayer and the rosary. Clara's positive attitude and trust in God were defining characteristics, along with her many acts of love, generosity and kindness for others. She recognized God's plan in all things, and it was impossible for her to give up on anyone. In fact, the greater the need or challenge, the more fervently Clara prayed and, more often than not, her prayers were answered. Her habit of turning to God sustained Clara throughout her life, a life that was remarkably blessed, though never easy. It's interesting to note that this sickly child who was not expected to live, in fact lived longer than anyone else in her family. Clara walked from the farm to Jubilee School one mile away on a muddy country road in all weather. Her dresses were made from flower sacks and times were tough during these depression years for everyone. There were no books, and the teacher's only tool was a chalkboard. She struggled to learn, but loved to read, only realizing in high school that she needed glasses. From that point on though, a whole new world was opened up. Clara enrolled in Fort Scott High School and then Fort Scott Junior College, graduating with an Associates of Arts Degree in 1941. During that time, she worked in town at the Standard Advertising and Printing Company where her sisters, Marcella and Mary, were also employed at varying times. In November 1941, Clara met the love of her life, a young man named Roy Vernon Holden, as she walked with girlfriends on the streets of Fort Scott. Roy and Clara were married at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Fort Scott on September 21, 1942. They nurtured their love and supported each other throughout their 61 year marriage, moving 17 times within five states (Kansas, Oregon, Missouri, Oklahoma and California), as Roy's career advanced with the Frisco Railroad in the Midwest and Duct-O-Wire Company in California where they moved in 1960. Roy and Clara moved to Murrieta, California in 1976, where they ultimately retired. The fruits of Roy and Clara's 61 year marriage were many, most notably the births of their four children James Lee, Regina Roanne, Patricia Clare and Bryan Edward Holden. All four children were born in Fort Scott, as their parents wanted them to be the 4th generation Kansans, and each received the gift of a Catholic education and loving nurturance from parents who understood the importance of faith, family and service, and shared these values with their children. Roy Holden passed away in Murrieta, California in 2003, and in 2011 Clara once again picked up and moved, returning to her beloved Midwest and her final home in Watertown, Wisconsin with son Jim Holden and daughter-in-law Claudia Ann. Clara enjoyed church, children's activities, and Bible study, dancing and music, gardening, traveling with Roy in their motor home, corresponding and gathering with a wide network of friends and family, reading and daily prayer. She successfully weathered the ups and downs of love, life and loss with strength, grace, prayer and the help of her unwavering Catholic faith. She was a woman of wisdom, beauty and courage, an amazing role model and inspiration to all. Clara Holden is survived by her four children and their spouses Jim Holden/Claudia Ann McCormick Holden, Regina Holden Rushing Maguire/Tom Maguire, Patricia Holden Blasdel/Paul Blasdel and Bryan Holden, along with the blessing of 11 grandchildren and 22 beloved great grandchildren. "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award me on that day, and not to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance." 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Visitation

Friday, May 9, 2014 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home & Cremation Service
500 Welsh Road Watertown 53098, United States

Service

Saturday, May 10, 2014 9:30 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
114 S. Church St. Watertown 53094, United States

Service

Saturday, May 10, 2014 10:00 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
114 S. Church St. Watertown 53094, United States