Clara J. Wibberg

Mrs. Clara Jane Wibberg, age 90, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Capital Region Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.
Clara was born on September 6, 1933, in Chamois, Mo., a daughter of James Edward and Clara Marie (Kempker) Nelson.
A lifelong resident of central Missouri, she attended St. Peter Catholic School, Pleasant Ridge Elementary School and later New Bloomfield High School.
Clara was married to Calvin J. Reynolds and to this union four of her children were born. She later married William H. "Bill" Wibberg until he preceded her in death. She was blessed with three children from her and Bill's time together.
She held various positions throughout her career, working at Oberman's Pants Factory, the International Shoe Company, and the Department of Agriculture as a poultry inspector. Additionally, she served as a nurse's aide at St. Mary's Hospital, Charles E. Still Hospital (now Capital Region Medical Center), and eventually retired from Fulton State Hospital in 1998. Alongside her professional roles, she and her husband successfully owned and operated the Port Osage Bar in Osage City, Mo., gaining a reputation for serving exceptional fish plates. Clara's strong work ethic prompted her to continue working even after retirement. She later took on roles as a teacher's aide at South Elementary School, both middle schools, and provided assistance at Cole Country Residential Services before finally retiring at the age of 78.
Clara was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, Mo. She also volunteered with 4-H when her children were younger and was the past president of the Osage Community Center. Clara took pride in actively participating in the betterment of Osage City.
Clara's life revolved around family, with fish-frys and holiday gatherings being her absolute favorites. She relished monthly meetings with her family Bingo Babes Group and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. Always impeccably dressed, Clara was a classy lady through and through. As a fervent St. Louis Cardinals fan, she passionately followed the team. Her love for excitement took her to the Isle of Capri in Boonville, where she cherished every trip. Clara's vibrant spirit, family-centered values, and zest for life made her loved by all who knew her.
Survivors include: four children, Debby Mehmert of Linn, Mo., Carol Ray Dismang of Jefferson City, Mo., Alice Ruth (Earl) of New Bloomfield, Mo. and William H. "Bill" Wibberg II (Cindy) of Jefferson City, Mo.; step-son, Vernon Wibberg (Diane) of Gravois Mills, Mo.; one sister, Goldie Epple (Gail) of Jefferson City, Mo.; one brother, William Patton (Jackie) of Prairie Home, Mo.; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Gizmo.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jim Nelson; her mother, Clara Kempker Patton; both husbands; three daughters, Linda Branch, Betty Flowers and Patricia Haslag; three sisters, Dorothy Bassett, Margaret Carter and Anna Mae Streeter; and two brothers, Clifford Dauer and Luther L. "Junior" Patton.
A visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, with a prayer service being conducted immediately before the visitation at 3:00 p.m. Friday in the Freeman Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, Mo. with the Reverend Mark Porterfield officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church Cemetery.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Samaritan Center, 1310 E. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.