Claris Clapp

1930 - 2025

Claris Ritter Clapp

In Loving Memory of Claris Ritter Clapp November 1, 1930 – June 23, 2025

Salt Lake City, UT-Claris Ritter Clapp was born in Chicago, Illinois to Dorothy and Walter Ritter, Sr. She grew up in Oak Park, where she cultivated a lifelong love of music and tennis. Clari attended the University of Illinois School of Music and was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.

She married Harvey Powers in 1954, raising four children in Oak Park, Illinois. During her 40+ years there, she taught Sunday school, led scout troops, and became a competitive tennis player-eventually earning certification as a teaching pro and working at several clubs in Illinois and New Jersey. She co-authored a book on tennis drills while working for Prince Manufacturing.

After moving to Salt Lake City in 1985, Clari earned a BS in Business Administration and worked as a technical writer for the City. In 1986, she met and later married Charlie Clapp. Together, they explored the West in their trailer and shared a love of the outdoors, music, and community.

Clari's life was filled with service-volunteering with the Utah Symphony, reading to the visually impaired, serving on the board of the Society for Technical Communicators, and participating in the Utah Rock Art Research Association. She was a cherished member of the First Congregational Church and a late-life fiddler with the Utah Old-Time Fiddlers.

Clari is survived by her beloved husband, Charlie Clapp; her children, Sean, Maura, Barrett, and Tracy; ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Her family brought her great pride and joy.

A memorial service will be held at: First Congregational Church 1710 So. Foothill Drv. Salt Lake City on August 9th at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church Parish Nursing Program, which provided loving support to Clari and her family.