Clara Neal | |
![]() Clara Neal in her later years. | |
Birth: | 4 August 1881 Duwamish, Washington, USA |
Death: | 12 July 1988 Port Angeles, Washington, USA |
Age: | 106 years, 343 days |
Country: | ![]() |
Centenarian |
Clara Leona Neal (née Ray; 4 August 1881 – 12 July 1988) was an American centenarian who was among the oldest known living people in the U.S. state of Washington at the time of her death.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Clara Leona Ray was born in Duwamish, Washington, USA on 4 August 1881 to Thomas K. Ray and Lucretia (née Julian) Ray. She attended grade school and high school in her hometown of Duwamish, and she continued to attend business school in Seattle.
Clara worked on her family's farm, where she grew and sold many fruits and vegetables. During this time, she was a member of the Laurel Club in Riverton, Washington. She also traveled around Washington competing in a horse showmanship with her family's showhorse.
Marriage and Mid-Life[]
On 15 January 1908, Clara married an attorney, Albert Lawrence Neal. Soon after, they established their first home in West Seattle, remaining there for over five decades. The couple had three children.
While in Seattle, Clara was active in civics. She was a member of the West Seattle Women's Club, one of the first organizations in Seattle to provide scholarships on a regular basis to aid students who were attending post-secondary institutions. She was one of the founders of the Hiawatha Garden Club in West Seattle, a member of the Washington Federation of Garden Clubs for many years, and was an active member of the Music and Art Foundation.
In 1958, Clara and Albert Neal celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage. Albert died later that same year, at the age of 86.
Later Life and Death[]
Clara was also a member of the Washington State Historical Society, maintaining her membership even after she moved in 1968 to Port Angeles, where she lived for the rest of her life. While in Port Angeles, she joined the Women of the Dungeness at the age of 87, and she often attended its meetings even well into her advanced age.
Clara Neal died in Port Angeles, Washington, USA on 12 July 1988, at the age of 106 years, 343 days. She was survived by her daughter Helen Radke, son Donald R. Neal, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
Gallery[]
References[]
- Albert Lawrence Neal Obituary Port Angeles Evening News, 9 December 1958 (Archived)
- Mention, 27 March 2022
- Clara Leona Ray FamilySearch
- Clara Leona Ray Neal Find A Grave