Clara E. Davis

June 26, 1913 - November 20, 2010

Clara E. Davis Obituary (Age 97) With family close beside her, Clara Davis passed away November 20, 2010 at Rockwood Manor, Spokane, WA. The third of five children born to Olaf E. and Cecelia (Ritchie) Gjelde, she was born June 26, 1913 in Gonvick, MN. Clara moved as a young child to Northern Idaho, graduating from Kootenai Elementary and Sandpoint High Schools. She attended the University of Idaho for two years. Clara married J. Walter Davis December 8, 1939 and they supported each other in love almost sixty years until his death November 21, 1999. Clara served as secretary to the Fairchild AFB commanding general during WWII and then many years as secretary/bookkeeper for Walt's insurance firm, Rusch and Davis. Clara was a lifelong servant of those in need, through large and small contributions of her money, her time and her constant concern for others. Lutheran congregations in Spokane and Couer d' Alene, Deaconess Hospital, Shriners Children's Hospital, Salvation Army, Rockwood South Foundation plus many other smaller organizations and individuals. She also valued and supported quality education with special gifts to Pacific Lutheran University, Washington State University and Whitworth College. Clara had no children of her own but was a wonderful supporting presence and Christian example to her nieces, nephews and their children. Her friends are legion - some of a lifetime and many made in her later years. During her 11 year residency at Rockwood, the love and respect of residents and staff for her is amazing to witness. Clara was preceded in death by her husband, her sisters Alice and Estelle and her brother Paul. She is survived by her sister Margaret Grossetta of Tucson, AZ; by her nieces Nora Johnson of Sherwood, OR, Susy Allen of Tucson, AZ, Janet Bryant of Kenneth City, FL, Ann Davis of Spokane, WA, and Julie Houston of Plummer, ID.; by her nephews Eric Gjelde of Bainbridge Island, WA, Earl Gjelde of Loveland, CO, Bruce Grossetta of Tucson, AZ, Gordon Grossetta of Tucson, AZ, Richard Davis of Athol, ID, and James Langley of Tamarack, FL. A Celebration of Clara's Life service will be held at Rockwood South Hill at a date to be announced. If desired, gifts in Clara's memory may be sent to her chosen charities - Rockwood South Foundation, Salvation Army or Deaconess Medical Center.