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In memory of

Clara Solon

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 95

Clara Wilhelmina Bocena Schulz was born October 5, 1911, in Interior to Heinrich C. and Anna Gulzow Schulz, in a house built by her father and grandfather. The family moved back and forth between that home and the Schulz homestead dugout above the Badland wall. When Clara started to school, she could speak only German. She attended the Interior School for eleven years, then spent her senior year working for the Joe Patton family in Rapid City and attending Rapid City High School where she graduated in 1929. She attended Black Hills Teachers' College and taught at the Potato Creek, Butte and Rock Springs Schools in Washabaugh County. During her girlhood years in Interior, she worked at the drugstore for George and Emily Palmer and also helped care for the Palmer children. When drought and the Depression caused many rural schools to close and fewer teachers were needed, Clara moved to Kadoka and worked at the Dakota Hotel. Later she was employed as housekeeper by Charlie and Ann Hunt.

On August 22, 1934, Clara married Francis P. Solon. They made their home on the ranch south of Weta where they reared their family. Francis died in 1963 and Clara continued to live in the country until 1982 when she moved to Kadoka. She was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and Altar Society, Legion Auxiliary and Kadoka Hospital Auxiliary.

Clara was known for her cooking, especially homemade bread, cinnamon rolls and cookies. She liked to quilt and crochet until her eyesight failed. She was "Grandma Clara" to many children besides her own.

In August 1999 she moved to Silverleaf Assisted Living in Philip, and in November 2005 to the Philip Nursing Home.

Survivors include one son, John (Carol) Solon, Kadoka; five daughters, Eleanor Solon, O.S.B., Rapid City, Mary (Dale) Lewis, Wasta, Helen (Larry) Pfeifer, Philip, Gen O'Callaghan, David City, NE, and Winnie (Doug) Bell, Fountain Valley, CA; 16 grandchildren; 15 step grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous step-great-grandchildren; two nieces, Cherie (Don) Brown, Rapid City, and Trish Kiely, Corte Madera, CA; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Francis; a sister and brother-in-law, Gretchen and Lyn Gladstone; and son-in-law, Blaine O'Callaghan.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 30, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Ron Garry officiating.

Interment followed at the Kadoka Cemetery.

MEMORIAL MASS
Saturday, June 30, 2007 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Ron Garry

LECTOR-EUCHARISTIC MINISTER
Fran Rayman

MUSIC
Maureen Palecek

ALTAR SERVER
Molly Coyle

USHERS – GIFT BEARERS
Bernard and Barbara Herber

AT REST
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

"Someday"

Someday perhaps at sunset
When the sky is all aglow
I’ll hear an angel call my name
And bid my spirit to go.

I’ll leave this worn out body
That’s been my earthly home
I’ll be with God and loved ones
I shall not be alone.

I don’t want any tears or mourning
I don’t want anyone to grieve
For it would only make you sad
And what would it achieve.

Death is just a part of life
And I have lived my share
When the roll is called up yonder
I want to be there.

- Rueben R. Lesser

MEMORIAL MASS
Saturday, June 30, 2007 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

  • Our sincere sympathy goes out to all of Clara's family who we met at the Solon Family Reunion in Kadoka 1999 ( & some on other visits to the USA ). A wonderful lady who has left a beautiful family to mourn her. Love to you all, Len ( a Solon Cousin ) & Merril ~ Len & Merril Bourne Auckland, New Zealand (2/27/2007)
  • I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Digger Beckwith     ~ Digger Beckwith Spearfish, SD (2/27/2007)
  • Clara was a wonderful lady with a kind heart. My sympathy to the family. ~ Cori Barber Philip, SD (2/27/2007)
  • Helen, Larry, Mary, David and Family and Kelly,
    We are praying for you all as you endure your loss. There is going to be emptiness we know. We trust you will all keep her memory alive and savor your memories. If there is anything you need or anything we can do please let us know God Bless     ~ Gary & Julie Nixon 22401 Deadman Creek Rd., Philip, SD 57567 (2/27/2007)
  • Our sympathy to all the family. Clara kept a positive attitude and may her memories live on with all of you. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka, SD (2/27/2007)
  • Another Grand Dame with Pioneer Spirit who helped tame those Badlands.......God Bless ~ Mike & Judy Barber Tampa, FL (2/27/2007)
  • My sympathy in the loss of your Mother. She was a nice lady and I know you will miss her. Elaine ~ Elaine Staben 777 Haggerty Lane #8, Bozeman, MT 59715 (2/27/2007)
  • Our sincere sympathy to the family of Clara. May God comfort you in your grief and strengthen you for the days to come. I will always remember Clara's lovely smile. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Tammi, Scott, & Hannah Williams Rapid City, SD (2/27/2007)
  • Mary,

    What a bitter sweet time for you.. . becoming a grandma and losing a grandma on the same day. Your grandma was always such a sweetheart at the family dinners that you so graciously invited the boys and myself to. Her legacy of love and the importance of family are being passed down through you. May the many memories of her, the love of family and your faith in God comfort you as you walk through this valley. I'll have a hug waiting for you when I get home.     ~ Crystal Martinez Philip, SD (2/27/2007)
  • My sincere sympathy to all of you at this sad time. Clara was an exceptional lady and will be missed by many. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Dorothy Novotny ~ Dorothy Novotny Colome, SD (2/27/2007)
  • Larry, Helen and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. ~ Edward Harty . (2/27/2007)
  • We are sorry about your loss of Clara. She is someone I remember knowing my whole life. We remember when we first brought Todd down to the ranch. She held him the whole time we were there. It is a memory we cherish to this day. ~ Cleve and Laurie Prichard Kadoka, SD (2/27/2007)
  • Solon family, Our sympathy on Clara's death. She was a remarkable lady and we certainly enjoyed getting to know her in the Silverleaf with Winnie. She is at peace and her and Winnie can really talk about their families now! May your memories be bright. My thoughts and prayers. ~ Shelia Trask Wasta, SD (2/27/2007)
  • Sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in our prayers. May your mother rejoice in the presence of the Risen Christ. ~ Brian and Teresa, Steve and Andrew Spiess Rapid City, SD (2/27/2007)
  • Patrick and family, We extend our sympathy to you and your family. Clara was such a sweet lady. She always had a great smile. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Janelle Madsen Popwell Wellington, TX (2/27/2007)
  • Helen, Larry & Family. Sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Celebrate her life with warm, loving thoughts and memories. Peace be with you. Arlie & Jared ~ Arlie Pfeifer Austin, TX (2/27/2007)
  • Larry, Helen and family, Orrin and I want to extend our sympathies to you during this difficult time. We wish you Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sharon & Orrin ~ Sharon & Orrin Johnson Watertown, CT (2/27/2007)
  • We are praying for God's comfort at this time of loss. I have many fun and happy memories of "Grandma Solan". ~ Barbara, Danny, and Kezia Weaver 1611 Sweetgum, Conroe, TX 77385 (2/27/2007)
  • So sorry to hear of Clara's passing. She is in a better place. Mom will greet her with open arms. ~ Hugh & Delia Harty Milesville, SD (2/27/2007)