Clarissa (Clara) Ardella Lewis

Clarissa “Clara” Ardella Lewis, of Rigby, died Saturday, October 26, 2002, in Rigby at the age of 95. Clara was born January 27, 1907, at Woods Cross, Utah a daughter of Peter Maurice Clawson and Jemima Ann Fackerell Clawson. She grew up in Randolph, Utah graduated from Randolph High School in 1925. She attended the University of Utah for 2 years and earned her degree in education. She taught school at Randolph for a couple of years before moving to Marion, Utah to teach. There she met William (Bill) Lewis. They were married April 9, 1932 in Heber, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. In March of 1942 they moved to Teton Valley, Idaho. While they lived in Teton Valley, Clara taught 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th grades at Chapin one year and 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th grades another year. She attended classes at Ricks College and then Brigham Young University to finish her schooling graduating Aug. 22, 1963 at the age of 56. She retired from Rigby School District after teaching several years there and at Ririe. She continued to substitute teach for many years. In 1972 she received a certificate of recognition from the state of Idaho and was selected as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America for 1972. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was a primary and MIA teacher and taught gospel doctrine classes for many years. She was very active in all kinds of sports throughout her life. She enjoyed bowling and was on a bowling league until she was in her 80s. She sang in church choirs most of her life and also lead the Relief Society Singing Mothers group in Driggs and as a group were invited to sing in the Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle during a Church wide Relief Society Conference. She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and was Captain of her camp in Rigby for 6 years. Survivors include; Four children, Laura Lynn (Dale) Stratton of Clearfield, Utah, Rodney W. (Dorothy) Lewis of Rigby, Sheldon (Carole, Gena, Aleta, Marie) Lewis of Cedar City, Utah, Devar (Margo) Lewis of Victor, Idaho. 40 grandchildren, 77 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 6 brothers, 1 half sister, 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 1, 2002, at 11:00 a.m. in the Eckersell Memorial Chapel (101 West Main Street) in Rigby. The family will visit with friends on Thursday, October 31, 2002, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.at the funeral home and on Friday for one hour prior to services at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Victor Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel.