Clara Ruth Showalter

Clara Ruth Showalter, 101, of Meridian, formerly of Marsing, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Clara was born May 17, 1924, in Wood, South Dakota, to Louis and Gertrude Thomsen. Their family moved from South Dakota when Clara was nine, settling in Star, Idaho. After she graduated school, Clara began her first job at Sears and Roebuck in Caldwell.

Clara met her future husband, Gene, through her roommates, one of which happened to be Gene’s sister, Katherine. They were married on December 14, 1946. After marrying, they moved to the family’s 80-acre farm, west of Kuna.

During the years in Kuna, three children were welcomed: Sharon, Brion, and Linda. Mom was always stepping up on the farm. She raised 2,000 chickens, helped with the milking of 20 cows, and still managed to be a 4-H leader for many years.

In 1965, Dad was promoted and a move to Marsing was in our future. Mom and Dad built their dream home on the Snake River, with a beautiful view of Lizard Butte. Gene passed away in April of 2000, and Mom stayed in their home for 45 years until moving into independent care.

As an avid seamstress in her “retired” years, Mom became an expert quilter. Her quilting group auctioned their quilts for years at the Marsing Disaster Auction, raising funds for the community.

Clara is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Gene; parents, Louis and Gertrude Thomsen; brothers, Wayne and Orville; and sister, Rosina.

She is survived by her three children: Sharon (Mike) Galloway, Brion (Sue) Showalter, and Linda Atwood. Clara is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Marsing-Homedale Cemetery. Services are under the care of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. (208) 459-0833