Funeral services for Clara Shirk, age 76, of Bangs will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 12, at Haven of Hope Church with Pastor Brian Hall and Reverend Danny Ballejo officiating.  Interment will follow at Greenleaf Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  Mrs. Shirk died October 8, 2011 her home.

Clara Lee Kelley was born January 18, 1935, in Belton, Texas, the daughter of the late Olen E. and Mary (Drake) Kelley, Sr.   She married the love of her life, Chester William Shirk on August 2, 1950 in Belton, and they shared many happy years together until his death on November 25, 2001.  Clara loved flowers, she loved to cook; but her main joy was spending time with her family.  She was a member of Haven of Hope Church.

Those left behind to cherish her memories include her children, Judy Shirk of Columbus, Ohio, Diane and Billy Guthrie of Brownwood, Debbie McMillan of Brownwood, Gloria Russell of Brownwood, Linda and Glenn Aaron of Lake Brownwood, Nova Deen of Bangs and Olen Shirk and fiancée, Becky of Bangs; 20 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren; sisters, Linda Mae Wells and Bertha Eilleene Dunn; brothers, William Edward Kelley, Olen Edward Kelley, Jr., and Willard Lee Kelley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Shirk; parents, Olen and Mary Kelley; son, Gerald Shirk; sister, Freida Kelley; great grandson, Stephon Don Kessinger; one great great granddaughter, Jazmyn Rayn Barron; and one son-in-law, John Russell.

Friends and relatives may sign the online guest book at nethertonfuneralhome.com.