Clara Lucille (Koons) Bolander

Clara Lucille Bolander

November 30, 1942 - June 8, 2026

Clara L. Bolander, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born on November 30, 1942, Clara was the daughter of Velma and Clarence Koons. She grew up surrounded by a close-knit family that she cherished throughout her life and remained proud of until her final days.

Clara graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1960, where she met the love of her life, Richard Joel Bolander. They were married on March 7, 1965, and together shared more than six decades of love, devotion, and partnership.

Clara was a dedicated and hardworking woman who was well known throughout the Marion community as the office manager at Ault's Driving School. Her warm smile, caring nature, and genuine interest in others made a lasting impression on everyone she met. It was often said that Clara never met a stranger. Her kindness, compassion, and welcoming spirit touched countless lives over the years.

Family was the center of Clara's world. She found immense joy in family gatherings and Sunday cookouts and treasured every opportunity to be with those she loved. She was especially devoted to her grandchildren and rarely missed a game, performance, or activity. Whether cheering from the stands or celebrating milestones, Clara was always there, offering unwavering support and encouragement.

Clara is survived by her loving husband, Joel Bolander; her children, Jeff Bolander, John (Melonie) Bolander, and Jill (Chad) Hecker; and her cherished grandchildren, Johnathon Bolander, Morgan Bolander, Ashley Hecker, Nicholas Hecker, and Allison Hecker.

Throughout her life, Clara enjoyed traveling with her family, creating treasured memories on vacations to Florida, South Carolina, Las Vegas, California, and Hawaii. Some of her happiest moments were spent relaxing on the beach with her children and grandchildren.

She was also an enthusiastic sports fan, faithfully following The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Indians, sharing in the excitement/ heartbreak and passion that she learned from Joel, which they enjoyed together over the years.

Animals held a special place in Clara's heart. She had many Shelties throughout her life and especially enjoyed taking her beloved dog, CJ, on walks and car rides. The companionship and joy her pets brought her were among life's simple pleasures she treasured most.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Velma and Clarence Koons; her brothers, Gene Koons and Glen Koons; and her sister, Donna (Richard) Wade.

Clara was immensely proud of the close bond she shared with her family growing up and equally proud of the enduring closeness that Joel, her children, and grandchildren continue to share today. Her greatest accomplishment was the loving family she helped build and nurture. Through them, her values, traditions, and legacy of kindness will live on for generations to come.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

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