Clara Bell Kettles

Clara Bell (Carter) Kettles, passed away on September 9th, 2024, at her home in Republic, Missouri. She was born on June 25, 1932, to Oscar Carter and Lily Bell Taylor Johnson Carter.
Clara married at 16 years of age to Barney Batson on October the 11th 1947, who passed early with health problems. Clara worked as a waitress where she met WL" Bud" Kettles. Clara was saved and baptized and became a member of Bible Baptist Church. Clara and Bud were members of First Baptist Church, where she served 14 years in the nursery. Clara and Bud were blessed with two daughters Suzie Ann Kettles Nelson and Karen Marie Kettles. They also fostered many children, mainly one special "daughter" Connie Rogers.
She is preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Lily Carter. Two sisters Zola Mae Carter, Betty Jane Carter Bowling, three brothers Bill Carter, Ernest Dutch Carter, Clarence Carter, and two husbands Barney Batson and WL Bud Kettles.
Clara is survived by two daughters Suzie Ann Kettles Nelson and a son-in-law Tim Nelson of Oxford, Florida and Karen Marie Kettles of Republic, Missouri. Two grandkids Tim Nelson and wife Amy and Amanda and Dennis of Oxford Florida. Three great grandkids Trey, Jude and Logan, all of Oxford Florida and she is survived by many nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends.
Memorial services for Clara will be held at Republic First Baptist Church on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Clara will be placed next to Bud at Missouri Veterans Cemetery at a later date.