Clara Sophia Nord Beffert, 95, of Sheridan, WY was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at Westview Health Care Center, Sheridan.

Clara was born on March 14, 1916 in Napoleon, North Dakota and was the daughter of Chris Nord and Nellie Christensen. As the oldest of seven children during her teenage years she helped raise her younger siblings. Clara graduated from Napoleon High School and Ellenberg College where she received her teaching certificate. Following college Clara served as a teacher in several rural schools in the Napoleon area. On February 25, 1943 she married Hank Beffert while he was on leave during World War II. Following the War, Clara and Hank moved to Sheridan, Wyoming where Hank was employed as an electrician at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital. Clara and Hank had five children who became the center of their lives.

As the children grew, Clara served as a Cub Scout den mother, 4-H Club leader, Sunday school teacher, and church youth group leader. When the children were all in school Clara began work as the secretary and loan officer for the Sheridan Employees Federal Credit Union, a position she held until her retirement in 1981. Clara spent her retirement years traveling with Hank to see the country as well as visiting their children and grandchildren. During her retirement she served on the quilting circle at Immanuel Lutheran Church where she was involved in making over 1,000 quilts, which were donated throughout the United States and Mexico.

Clara is survived by her husband Hank; her sister Lila Elhard (Reuben) of Kulm, North Dakota: daughters Susan Slickers (Ky) of Phoenix, Arizona and Trish Bagnard (Ed) of Denver, Colorado: and son’s Larry (Sandy) of Rapid City, South Dakota; Jerry (Diane) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Verne (Leslie) of Livingston, Montana; 13 grandchildren: Christine (Chris), Melanie, Natalie, Erick, Brad (Jamie), Brian, Mandi (Nic), Corey, April (Jeff), Heather (Marley), Jennifer, Kelly (Dustin), and Jason; 7 great-grandchildren: Lydia, Christopher, Addison, Ethan, Bryn, Skyla, and Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Clara led a very simple life, always giving to others more than she received. She was a loving wife to Hank for 67 years as well as an outstanding mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Her faith in God was a light for others. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral service will be 10:00am on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from Immanuel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Paul Cain officiating. Interment will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials can be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church Mission Fund, or to the Fulmer Public Library Foundation, 335 W. Alger St., Sheridan, WY 82801

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