Clara Moomey

Clara passed away July 27, 2021 as she wanted; in her home in Junction City OR with loved ones. She was born Oct 14, 1921 in Sioux Center IA to William and Jannett Van Rockel.
Clara graduated from Sioux Center high school in 1938 then earned a bachelor's degree in teaching from Iowa State Teachers College in 1942. She then taught 3rd grade at Lake Mills, IA. She decided to spread her wings and applied for a teaching job in Ketchikan Alaska, and soon after said goodby to family and friends and boarded a train headed west. She also taught in Shorelines School in Seattle. While in Reedsport OR, and not long after WWII she taught ESL to a Japanese lady. Our families became close friends, but many had no tolerance for the Japanese at that time. During her younger years a lot occurred. The dust bowls, the great depression and her father and mother died. The siblings had to split up. Life was hard but she chose to accept things she couldn't change, to remain positive and to persevere.
Clara enlisted in the Navy Waves in Aug of 1944 becoming a mail specialist. It's noteworthy that when she enlisted there were very few women in the military. Clara's platoon was housed at a college. After WWII she stayed on for the Korean War from 1951-53 then served with Waves National till 1962. She earned rank of Chief Petty Officer and was awarded the Golden Badge upon discharge. When she moved to Junction City OR there were no Waves outposts in our area so Betty Miller out of Eugene OR and Clara started a local chapter of Waves National named the Cascade Seafarers.
Clara loved reading, teaching, being a wife and mother, the outdoors, cooking, canning, sewing, working with charities and being active in the community and she found her niche in Square Dancing. Earl and Clara joined the Wagon Wheelers in Eugene OR in the late 70's. They enjoyed square dancing several times weekly teaching beginners, taking advanced lessons and attended dances and she enjoyed camping with her square-dancing family. That lasted for 23 wonderful years. Clara made a lot of lifetime friends.
Clare will be proceeded by her sister Ruth Cary in De Moines Iowa, son Tim Moomey in Junction City OR, grandson Forest Moomey and great granddaughter Lillian of Corvallis OR.
In lieu of flowers we request donations be made to the Junction City United Methodist Church 750 W 10th Ave Junction City OR 97448 or charity of your choice.
Due to COVID restrictions there will be two ceremonies. Clara will be buried at Rest Lawn Memorial Park off Territorial Hwy west of Junction City at 11:00 on Friday, August 20. She will have a service at the Junction City United Methodist Church with potluck to follow as soon as COVID restrictions have been lifted. The date and time will be announced with another, shorter obituary.