Clara passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, just two days after her 95th birthday! She was residing at Jamestown Memory Care in Provo, Utah.

Clara's parents are Charles Howard Koch and Clara Maria Granados. Her father was of German descent, and her mother was born in Seville, Spain. Clara was the oldest of four children. Her sib lings are Carl Koch (1932-2022), Barbara Koch Rader, and Charles H. Koch (1944-2012). She grew up in Riverdale, Maryland. Clara married Martin L. Claeys in 1947. Once married they moved to Virginia where they raised their family.

Martin passed away in 2001. They are survived by two children: Ellen Marie McGaughy (& Tim McGaughy) and Carol Gail Hagerman (& Allen Hagerman), 3 grandchildren, Shanam McGaughy, Elana (McGaughy) Olson, Craig Hagerman and 6 great-grandchildren.

Clara was a hard worker and continued to progress as she educated herself. She worked in a drug store during High School and then after school was recruited to work for the CIA in Washington, D.C. She paid her way through night school at George Washington University and received a degree in accounting. She then became secretary to a congressman on "the hill" in Washington, DC. She later worked with a construction company in Virgina as the manager of their accounting department. During that time, she acquired a pilot's license. Clara was definitely a woman ahead of her time.

Clara and Martin moved from Virgina to Florida after retirement. In Florida Clara was involved with the Red Hat Society and was elected Queen of her chapter.

While in Virginia and Florida Clara and Martin enjoyed playing tennis, bridge, dancing and traveling with friends and family.

Clara's remains have been placed in a niche with her husband's remains at the Sarasota National Cemetery for Veterans in Sarasota, Florida.

She will be missed for her courage, conviction, determination and quick wit. She has moved on to a new adventure of learning and progressing. Until we meet again.