Clara Ethel Schaefer

Clara Ethel Schaefer was born in Reedsville, Preston, West Virginia on Easter Sunday, April 9th, 1939 to Clara (Newman) and George Lewis Slaughter. She entered heaven with her Lord and Savior, on Sunday May 17th, at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness.

Clara’s family moved to Randolph, Ohio when she was about 12 years old. She met the true love of her life, Joe Schaefer as a young teenager and they were married on September 3rd, 1955. They were happily married for 69 years when Joe departed for heaven.

Clara spent her life caring for others. She spent many years caring for her grandmother, Lula Slaughter, father-in-law, Carl Schaefer, Evelyn Preto and Francis Agnello. She also enjoyed babysitting for grandchildren and great grandchildren while their parents worked, while covering them with love and wisdom. Her home was always open to family who needed a place to live. Other than her family, she also adored her fur babies over the years. Her heart was warm and generous.

She was preceded in death by her parents, baby sister Betty Lou and brother Bob Slaughter.

She is survived by her daughter Gwen (Bob) Jackson, sons, Joe (Leslie) Schaefer, Ron (Margaret) Schaefer, and David (Michele) Schaefer.

Surviving grandchildren are, Renee Burkhart, Josh Jackson, Eddy Schaefer, Andy Schaefer, Angie Stacy, Christe Jaynes, Josh Bailey, Mollie Bailey, Michael Schaefer, Ricky Paige, Mike Main; 24 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

She also leaves behind her sisters Edith (Bill) Casselberry, Mary (Don) Burkett, Cindy Wolfarth and Georgiana Blackburn, and brothers Jim Slaughter, Harold (Carol) Slaughter and Rick (Linda) Slaughter, and sister-in-law Darlene Slaughter, and many, many nieces and nephews and friends who adored her.

Clara’s family will receive friends at Liberty Bible Church, 2215 SR-183, Atwater, Ohio on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 10:00, memorial service at 11:00. Reverend Paul Phillips officiating. Interment will be held at Hillside Cemetery, Randolph.

To share a memory of Clara or leave a special message with her family, please visit the guest book below.