Clara Lois Black passed away on April 21, 2023.

Clara Lois Black, 91, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away on April 21, 2023. Clara was born in Hale Center, Texas on December 21, 1931 to Elzie and Martelie (Echoles) Langham. Clara was the third of nine children. She grew up in west Texas and later moved to Farmington, New Mexico where she graduated High School. The family moved to Oregon in 1947 where Clara met and fell head-over-heals with Arvlin “Mutt” Black. They married on September 22, 1948 and had three children, Clinton, Gary and Kevin. Clara worked for many years at Bi-Lo Market in Drain. She later started her 25 year Career as the Postmaster in Curtin. Clara loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed hunting, attending the Drain Assembly of God church or any event that she could go to. Clara and her husband loved nothing more than traveling which included multiple trips to Death Valley and New Mexico. She would also take “Sister Trips” which were numerous over the years and included places such as Hawaii, Gold Beach and Disneyland. Clara is survived by her three sons, Clinton A. Black of Curtin, OR, Gary L. (Sue) Black of Curtin, OR, and Kevin D. (Catherine) Black; sisters Melba Kokko of Creswell, OR, Reba Kokotan of Springfield, OR, and brother Elmo G. Langham of Rathburn, ID; 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Clara is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Arvlin “Mutt” Black, grandson Christopher A. Black, and brother and sisters Virgil, Joyce, Ronald, Ruth and Wendell, and daughter-in-law Diane Black. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 2:00pm at Drain Assembly of God in Drain, Oregon with a reception to follow in the reception hall. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.