Clara Mae Riffel
1931 - 2022
Clara Mae (Wright) Riffel of Stockton, KS, passed away on October 3, 2022, at the Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton at the age of 91.
She was born on June 10, 1931, to Irvin Day and Lula (Jennings) Wright in Pittsfield, Mass. She was married to Donald Eugene Riffel on October 26, 1952, in Stockton. They were blessed with three sons: Larry, Steve, and Randy.
Clara grew up in Stockton and graduated from Stockton High School with the Class of 1949. She attended Kansas State University for two years. A woman of many talents, Clara raised three boys, ran a sewing and farm business out of her basement making cheerleader uniforms and many dresses for ladies around the area, tended to her huge garden, raised chickens, and even helped design and build their house in town so she could better entertain and cook for her family and hired men.
She was a member of the Kansas Master Farmer Association and Homemakers Guild, awarded from the K-State Cooperative Extension Service. She was also a member of the United Methodist Church, P.E.O., Bridge Club, an FFA helper, and 4-H leader for many years.
She and Donald enjoyed traveling and made a visit to every National Park in the U.S., as well as trips to Europe, Venezuela, and Hawaii to name a few.
Clara is survived by her sons, Larry (Kerry) Riffel of Overland Park, Steve (Michelle Wieden) Riffel and Randy (Debby) Riffel, both of Stockton; 7 grandchildren, Chris (Sarah) Riffel, Kim (J.) Leary, David (Sonya) Riffel, Katie (Jason) Lindsey, J.D. (Ginger) Riffel, Daniel (Amanda) Riffel, and Donny Riffel; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; and sister, Barbara Gartrell.
It isn’t the farm that makes the farmer’s wife; it’s the love, hard work, dedication, faith, and character. Clara was all these things and more. She set for us an example and passed on to us the values of hard work, noble character, and devout love for God, family, friends and neighbors. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but the celebration of her life and memories will never be forgotten.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Stockton. Burial will follow in the Stockton City Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to Stockton Library or Solomon Valley Manor and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com
