Mrs. Clara Anna Keechler (Kiickler, German spelling),78, widow of the late F. E. Keechler, died at her home in Shelton at an early hour Saturday morning. Mrs. Keechler was afflicted with cancer and had been failing from some time although she had been bedfast only a few weeks. Since the latter part of April some of her daughters remained with her constantly and were at the bedside when the end came.

Clara Anna Bowman was born in Saxony, Germany, October 25, 1852, and came to America in 1875 with her father who settled on a homestead north of Shelton. On May 2, 1876, she was united in marriage at Grand Island to Ferdinand E. Keechler. To this union were born thirteen children, ten daughters and three sons. One son died in infancy, two daughter preceded her in death, and the husband and father passed away here April 2, 1924.

Following their marriage in 1876, Mr. and Mrs. Keechler lived on the homestead continuously until 1903, when they retired from the farm and moved to Shelton. Since that time the family home has been here in the southwestern part of town. Mrs. Keechler was unusually active in recent years, despite her advanced age, until stricken with an affliction that weakened her and finally proved fatal.

Mrs. Keechler joined the Presbyterian church and was baptized in Germany when a young girl. She maintained her Christian faith throughout life and was a kind and loving mother, being attached devoutly to her family and friends.

The surviving children are: John Keechler, Chino, California; Mrs. William Bellin, Lisco; Mrs. Fred Anderson, Gibbon; Mrs. Henry Pope, Shelton, Henry Keechler, Ringgold, Nebraska; Mrs. George Willey, Stapleton, Nebraska; Mrs. Harry Ashburn, Gibbon; Mrs. L.W. Fuller, Shelton; Mrs. Vern Sherrard, Gibbon and Mrs. Howard Oliver, Shelton. She also leaves a large number of grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives.

Funeral services conducted by Rev. Harry E. Patterson, were held at the Methodist church Monday afternoon. The singers were Mrs. W. E. Amos, Mrs. J. I. Stock, V. S. Pierce and C. R. Collis. Burial took place in the family lot at the Shelton Cemetery. Pallbearers were A. N. Stone, Thomas Ellis, George Gumprecht, George W. Smith, Martin Conroy and A. L. Wyman.

All of the children who survive, with the exception of the eldest son, John, who lives in California, were in attendance at the funeral.

Source: The Shelton Clipper, Thu, Jun 4 1931, pg 1