Clara Rachel Bunch, 86, of Oak Harbor, died March 24, 2005 at Whidbey General Hospital.

She was born in St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 6, 1918, to Florence and Marada Watkins. She married Earl C. Lee on June 29, 1940. Mr. Lee died on Oct. 17, 1972. Clara married George A. Bunch on Sept. 2, 1973. He passed away Feb. 23, 2003. Mr. and Mrs. Bunch lived for a time in Hayward, Calif., before moving back to Missouri, where they retired to Sedalia, Mo. Clara resided in Sedalia until after Mr. Bunch died. She then moved to Oak Harbor to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She was a 20-year retired civil service worker.

Clara was a member of East Sedalia Baptist Church. She loved to crochet and give away her creations. The last item she crocheted was for her great-grandson. She thoroughly enjoyed living with her daughter and son-in-law, and loved her room that was built for her.

Clara is survived by her son Ron Lee of Warrensburg, Mo., and her daughter and son-in-law, Diane and John Sheppard of Oak Harbor; two grandchildren, SPC Dave Kerndt, with the Oregon National Guard in Iraq, and his wife Wendy and Elaine Smith and her husband Dewey of Amory, Miss.; also, three great-grandchildren, Ashley and Jon Smith and Austin Kerndt.

A memorial service will be held at the Bible Baptist Church, Oak Harbor, Pastor Robert Sargent officiating, Friday, April 1 at 2 p.m.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.