Clara M. Lara, 83 of Phoenix, AZ, peacefully passed away surrounded by family at The Ryan House on April 18, 2022. She was a resident at Palm House Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ. Clara was born on November 12, 1938 in Clifton, AZ to her parents Geronimo Morales and Maria Reyes. Clara leaves behind her beloved husband of 65 years, Tony Lara. She attended Clifton High in Clifton, AZ and then received her Associates Degree from Phoenix College.
She proudly worked in Public Relations at News Channel 3 for 20 years and then went on to serve the community in many other ways after retirement. She served as Vice President, Co-Treasurer, and chaired several communities for Altrusa from 2004-2016.
Clara had a passion for travel and photography.
She is preceded in death by all 7 of her siblings, and her oldest daughter Melynda Christine Hodges. She is survived by her husband Tony Lara; children Jon E. Lara and Michelle A. Lara Chaparro; grandchildren Erika Lara, Ashley Lara, Jonathan Lara, Zander Lara, Cruz Lara, Nikki Hernandez, and Giselle Chaparro; great-grandchildren Jordan Lara-McGinty, Arianna Hernandez, Joshua Hernandez, and Victoria Hernandez.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, May 2, 2022, officiated by Fr. Kevin Dilworth, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in the Mausoleum.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of the Valley at Ryan House (second floor) – 110 W. Muhammad Ali Way, Phoenix, AZ 85013.
James Rawlins
Clara was like a second Mom to us Rawlins boys. She was our good neighbor who would always greet us with a smile. She helped us with our Spanish lessons. We loved her tamales.
Enjoy your new life with Jesus and Mary.
Nancy Morales Sabedra
Condolences to the entire Lara family. Aunt Clara was a Great Woman and left me with wonderful memories of her Her strength, love for family, joy for life , and happy smile will stay with me forever. Love you always and will never forget you
Nancy Morales Sabedra
Carl Bailey
My condolences to the Lara family. I’m Carl Bailey and my now decease wife is Dukie Bailey first cousin to Clara. Clara was one of Dukies favorite cousin’s and we visited many times. God speed you to everyone above.
Henry R vASQUEZ
Clara from the Vasquez Family-Condolence- Especially from Emily and Juan Vasquez she would stay with us during summer her sister Carmen the same they were like siters to us, Carmen was always baking cakes and Clara the happy go lucky person, the summers were so much fun when they were visiting for the summer in are young years of life take care with love Clara are generation is slowly disappearing into the last sunset-God Bless You.
Ken Rawlins
Clara (Mrs. Lara) was a wonderful friend and neighbor to Paul & Winnie Rawlins and all 5 of their boys.
Clara was always so warm & kind to all of us Rawlins’ boys. Clara always made our Christmas season extra special when she would bring over her TAMALES as her gift to the Rawlins family.
It was always a treat to se her on Channel 3 (KTVK) too.
Clara was a special lady to all who knew her.
I send my thoughts and prayers to to all of Clara’s family & relatives during this difficult time.
May God bless you Clara and be with you forever
Josie Hernandez
Our condolences to the Lara Family
Clara was a mighty women who loved her family she adored her grandchildren
She became apart of our family , her smile was a magnet to all.
She will be truly missed
Always Josie Hernandez
Ray Rawlins
Mrs Lara
Your smile your laugh will always be in my heart. My other Mom !
Twenty years I lived next door. My life is truly blessed to have had you watching over me as I played a grew up Jon.
May you watch over all of us from Heaven. Love you always Ray Rawlins
Paul and Francy Lara
Sending our Love, and Deepest Sympathy, to Uncle Tony, Jon, Michelle, and families.
Aunt Clara was such a caring and loving person. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her!!
She was always so happy and cheerful, with that million dollar smile, her trademark. She truly felt the joy of life, deep in her heart and it showed!!
You were blessed to have had her as the center of your lives.
Praying for the Lord to touch each of you as you grieve your great loss.
Our condolences.