Clara (McClellan) Killian Obituary (2015)

Clara Dale Killian of Tooele, Utah passed away on October 8, 2015, at the age of 96. She was born on November 23, 1918, in luka, Arkansas, to Jesse and Maggie McClellan. Dale married the love of her life Charles Killian on July 22, 1939. She was his princess. They had two daughters, Judy Johnson (Ed) and Karen Killian. Charles passed away in 1972. During World War II while Charles was in the Navy, Dale worked at the Yuba Manufacturing plant in Benicia California, which had been converted from producing Dam gates to making 155 millimeter Howitzer cannons to help with the war effort. Her job was machining the barrel of the 155 Millimeter Howitzer. She was the "Rosie Riveter" of her day. Later in the 1950s Dale went to work at the Benicia Arsenal Credit Union. When the arsenal was in the process of closure Dale was instrumental in moving the Credit Union from Benicia to Tooele serving as the transitional manager until at which time Phil Miller, the manager of the credit union was able to move to Tooele. Dale served as the assistant manager of the Tooele Federal Credit Union until she retired in 1983. Dale enjoyed playing Bunco and especially enjoyed her trips to California, many which of she drove herself, well into her 80's. Her independence was something that at times, her family feared but always admired. Dale was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one grandson, two sisters, and one brother. She is survived by her older sister, two daughters, seven grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 8 great, great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice, especially Kearsta Washburn for the loving care they provided. A visitation and rosary will be held on Tuesday, October 13 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and a Funeral Mass Wednesday at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to the funeral service at St. Marguerite's Catholic Church. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Clara Dale (McClellan) Killian please visit our Sympathy Store.