Hampstead, NC- Clara M. Killheffer, 87, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Willmington, North Carolina, after a brief illness. She had recently moved to North Carolina to be closer to family.

She was born on August 11, 1935 in Conneaut, Ohio the only child of Raymond and Bertha V. (nee Vanek) Fiala. A lifelong resident of the area, Clara graduated from from Rowe High School Class of 1954. She married the love of her life, Kenneth K. Killheffer on June 30, 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where was a devoted Catholic, and attended most of her life.

Clara began her working career in 1954 at F. W. Woolworth, and then worked at JJ Newbury briefly before her employment with Citizens Bank from 1955-1964. She worked for a time at Beef and Beer and Conneaut Area City Schools, before she went on to work for 25 years with Conneaut Savings Bank, retiring in 1999.

Clara loved to do plastic canvas and getting together with friends everyday for breakfast or lunch at the local Burger King and Dairy Queen. She also loved cats and one always kept her company over the years.

She was a member of the American Legion and the Conneaut Moose Lodge.

Clara is survived by her daughter, Donna Beastrom; grandson, Gregory L. (Maggie) Beastrom; and her great-grandchildren, Blake, Maksymilian, and Sebastian.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Kenneth Killheffer; and her son-in-law, Lawrence Beastrom.

Calling hours will be held Monday, February 20, 2023 from 11:30A<-12:30PM at the Thompson-Smith-Nesbit Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 1:00PM at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 744 Mill St., with Fr. Philip Miller, celebration. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memory Gardens.

The family suggest in lieu of flowers memorials in her memory may be given to the Ashtabula APL, 5970 Green Rd., Ashtabula.