Klara M. Hurt-Grathwohl, 84, of State Line Road, Niles, died at 10:52 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011 at West Woods of Niles following an extended illness.

She was born Sept. 24, 1926 in Cottonwood Point, Mo. to James Thomas and Mattie Catherine (Miller) Hurt. She graduated from Dowagiac Central High School in 1944, moved to Niles in 1962, and has lived in this area since 1939.

She was first employed as a telegrapher at Western Union in Benton Harbor. After completed some business college courses, she was employed at Whirlpool Corp. in Benton Harbor, St. Mary Catholic School in Niles and the former Pawating Hospital in Niles.

Klara was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Niles. she and her husband were foster parents for many years. The Grathwohl family enjoyed camping, fishing and swimming together and traveled throughout the United States, visiting all but two of the 50 states.

She also enjoyed gardening, needlework, reading mysteries by John Grisham, country music and meeting with friends for an early dinner. Klara was an avid University of Notre Dame fan.

On May 6, 1967 in Buchanan she married Leo. E. Grathwohl, Jr., who preceded her in death Oct. 7, 1984.

Mrs. Grathwohl is survived by their son, Carl L. Grathwohl of Mishawaka; daughter, Tamara Kaye Grathwohl of Niles; grandchildren, Thomas Grathwohl, Matthew Grathwohl and Rashad Harris; and many nieces and nephews, including Bobbie Hurt.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, James C. Hurt and Robert L. Hurt, and sisters, Kaye F. Hurt and Tenni M. Hurt Archer.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Klara M. Hurt-Grathwohl will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10, 2011 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Niles with the Rev. David Otto of the church officiating.

Committal rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with a recitation of the Rosary at 4 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Klara may be made to St. Mary Catholic School or Hospice at Home in Buchanan.