Clara M. Hoover Bachelder, age 99, passed away on January 14th, 2025. She was born in Bellville, OH on July 31, 1925 to Lee and Irene Hoover and lived in the Bellville – Mansfield area all of her life. Upon the death of her parents, she was raised by her Aunt and Uncle, Artie and Bert Strong from the age of 3. She was a graduate of Bellville High School with the class of 1943 and was Homecoming Attendant her senior year. Clara worked at Westinghouse during World War II and was a homemaker after marriage to Richard Bachelder in Sept. of 1946.

She was a member of the Lexington Senior Civic Center and volunteered in their kitchen since its opening in 1989 plus also played piano weekly for the afternoon Music Group Musicians at that Center for years. She attended Chapel Hill United Methodist Church where she played the organ weekly – by ear – helped with bazaars as well as other functions of the church. She was a member of the Fun and Friendship Club of Bellville, Hee Haw group in that club that performed at events, nursing homes, Bellville Fair etc. and enjoyed playing cards with many friends of the club through the years.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Pamela (Jerry) Steel, Melinda (Don) Calhoun, 2 grandchildren Andrew Steel and great-granddaughter Emma Steel and Stacy (Chris) Slate. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Wanda Bachelder Martin as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Bachelder in 1985, sisters, Wava Fry Thompson, Mary Gast, Flossie Fensch and 3 brothers Orland Hoover, Melvin Hoover and Alva Hoover. Also preceding her in death were the cousins she was raised with, William Strong & Mary Deitrick.

Calling hours will be Monday, January 20, 2025 from 1-2 pm in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home where her funeral will begin at 2 pm. Rev. Lindsey Funtik will officiate. Burial will be in Bellville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chapel Hill Church or the Lexington Senior Civic Center.

Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home

Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com