Clara Ann (Rifenburg) King

Clara Ann (Rifenburg) King, 78, of Byesville, passed away Tuesday (December 28, 2021) at OSU Wexner Center.

She was born December 8, 1943 in Masontown, PA, daughter of the late Frank and Kathern (Galagola) Rifenburg.

When Clara's husband Bill retired from the Navy in 1976, the family moved from Jacksonville, Florida, to Byesville. Clara held several jobs locally, specializing in accounting and payroll for Meridian Plastics, The Hartley Company, and Cambridge Tool & Die. She worked several years at each business, acquiring many friendships for over 30 years. She attended Main Ave. United Methodist Church for many years after the move to Ohio. Clara was a 1961 graduate of German Township High School in PA and an avid life-long Pittsburg Steeler Fan. Clara's hobbies were centered on loving and supporting her grandchildren and children, in that order. She made all four grandchildren feel special and loved as each was the most important person in her life, and they most certainly were. She loved spending time with the family, especially during the holidays where there was an 8-foot or taller inflatable yard decoration for every occasion. Grandmother King was proficient at utilizing social media. This allowed her to follow and connect with her family from a distance when travel became difficult. She spent additional time showing her husband Bill how to use social media (LOL). Clara affectionally called her husband Bill "Rex," a nickname he picked up during his 20-year service in the Navy. Clara was a proud and supportive military wife throughout his service. She was very skilled and creative at crocheting and could make anything. Clara was an avid bowler and softball player and participated in a bowling league in Florida and King Pin Lanes throughout the ‘70s, '80s and '90s. Her lifelong love was spending time on the beach and soaking up the sun. Many Ohio summer days were spent in her above-ground pool, with pool boy “Rex” attending to her every need. Clara loved and supported everyone she came in contact with her entire life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Anita Rifenburg-Taylor and Marie Rifenburg-Hestekin.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 56 years Robert William “Bill” King whom she married February 26, 1966; one son Christopher (Melissa) King of Thornville; one daughter Patty King Gregory of Westerville; four grandchildren, Devin, Chance and Isabella King, and Jack Gregory; niece Sharon Taylor; various cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday (January 6th) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Black-Epperson Funeral Home, Byesville where services will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Debbie Gheen officiating.

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