Aug. 8, 1932 — Sept. 30, 2019

Clara Herman Bonham passed away on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, at West Woods, of Niles.

She was born on Aug. 8, 1932, in Galien, to Wilson and Gertrude Herman.

She attended Galien Schools through high school. She grew up on the family farm on Elm Valley Road. She loved being a farm girl, and especially loved animals of all kinds. Her fondest memory was being part of the very first Berrien County Youth Fair in 1946. She won grand champion for an Angus beef she had raised. Clara went to school for a certified nursing assistant, and worked for many years at a nursing home in Winter Haven, Florida. She returned to Michigan in 1993 and, in her retirement, volunteered in the foster grandparents program at Stark School until the school closed.

Clara loved being part of that program and helped many children with reading and writing. Clara leaves to cherish her memory a sister, Maxine (Jim) Wheetley, of Niles; brother, Gary (Barb) Herman, of Buchanan; and many nieces and nephews who love their Aunt Clara.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lawrence Herman; and sister, June Lear.

There will be no visitation according to her wishes. Family will have a private burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.