Claire Hoover

Clara Hoover passed away on October 15, 2025 at the age of 91. She was born April 27, 1934 in Augusta, Kansas to Lela and William (Bill) Johnson and preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Sharon, and her brother, Everett. Her husband, Melvin (Mel), passed away on December 15, 2023 just shortly after celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.

She is survived by her brother, Bill Johnson; daughters, Janet Lane and Beverly Morrow; grandchildren, JJ Lane, Brett Lane, McCall Kramer and Cassidy Mumbower; great grandchildren, Gemma Lane, Nelle Lane and Lowen Lane.

Growing up in Augusta, she was a good student and active in school sports and clubs—anything social, which won’t surprise those of you who knew her well! She graduated from Augusta High School in 1952 and worked as a secretary at Beech Aircraft in Wichita until her marriage to Mel on November 28, 1953. They moved to Midland, Texas where Mel was stationed in the Air Force.

This was the first of many moves, as Mel’s career with the FAA took them to Kansas City MO, Burlington IA, Lamoni IA, Rapid City SD, Huron SD, Northglenn CO, Worland WY, Aurora CO, and finally retirement in Strasburg CO where they lived for 44 years.

Claire was a supportive and resilient wife, making every residence happy and homey. She stayed busy volunteering at church and being a stay-at-home, fun-loving mother. In Rapid City, she took a part-time job at the School of Mines working half days during the school year in the athletic department (a dream job for her!). After leaving Rapid City, she worked as a school secretary. She enjoyed having summers off for family vacations, tennis, biking, bowling and golfing.

For years, she taught Sunday School and coached winning Bible Quiz teams. She took teams to State, Regional and National competitions, even winning Nationals one year!

After retirement in Strasburg, she got very involved in community activities, serving on several boards and committees: Parks and Recreation, School Improvement, planning board for new assisted living facility, Strasburg Seniors, the Historical Society, and the Comanche Crossing Museum.

She was also very passionate about MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), where she influenced countless lives through her teaching and mentorship (she loved her “MOPS gals”). She also led Bible studies and partied with the Red Hats!

She loved Jesus and her dying wish would be that she will see each of you on the other side! She will be missed by her family and her many friends; but we have the blessed assurance that even though she is absent from the body, she is present with the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Comanche Crossing Museum. PO Box 647, Strasburg CO 80136.

An open house visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, November 7, 2025 from 10-12.