Linda Lou Minor (Di0mbala)

My condolences to Claudia's family and loved ones. Last I saw her was at the reunion in 2015. I remember her looking like her graduation photo. She was so cute and energetic, fun, kind, and had a great sense of humor. I always looked forward to having her in a class. She will be missed. Linda Minor Diombala

Nancy Marie Sprague (Gates)

May God give the friends and family the peace and comfort that only He can give in times like this. 

Charles 'RICK' Jabara

I have known Claudia since high school and considered her a good friend. She always gave me a bad time and I loved it. She will be missed by all her friends and family. Prayers for her family and close friends. May her memory be eternal. Rest In Peace.

Susan Linda Womer (Smith)

My friendship and memory of Claudia goes back to grade school where we attended girl scout camp in the summer - Her camp nickname was "IceBerg". She had that distinctive voice back then. •••   

But it was in 7th grade, my entry into John Marshall junior high school at the tender age of 12 (jumping off point for my sheltered life from GARRISON elementary) We girls would gather in that big bathroom across from the school office on the first floor & chatter away (& sometimes swap clothes) •••  

It was there I heard her tell the tale of kissing the best looking boy in her neighborhood (in full detail). My eyes were wide, my ears were pricked, my cheeks burned - KISSED A BOY!- wow, I was envious. After that I couldn't help but hang on every word as she found her role as the entertainer of whatever group had formed. •••.

As the years passed, she remained the entertainer, the boisterous one, the voice you could always hear, the laugh you couldn't ignore. Beyond that facade, she was the sweetest person, the most loyal friend, a devoted and dedicated mother and wife. ••••  

As the years passed, she and I would do a "do the splits" competition until I finally gave it up because she would beat me! •••. God bless you sweet Clod-bod (your later-life nick name) So glad you're without pain. I treasure these memories.

James Lee Jemmerson

Connie Rinke (Jason)

I was at North High my last 2 years of High School. Because I was always new at most schools I went to in my life, it was hard for me to make friends.  But, I always remembered Claudia.  We were not close friends, but she was always kind to me.  She was a good person as a teenager, so I'm sure her whole life was filled with kindness toward others.  My condolences to her family.  I know she will be missed.

Linda Ann Stone (Nollette)

I love you Claudia and will miss you every day.  You were such a comedian and special gift to your friends.  
Thank goodness for so many wonderful years of memories and photos.  Rest In Peace sweetie🙋‍♀️😢🥰😇

it was an honor to be with you during your last hours on this earth....I will see you in Heaven🙏💕

Love and hugs ...Linda

J Sharon Powell (Quincy)

This memory shared by Marsha Nelson Carr:

My Tribute to Claudia ( I couldn't post it to the class website).

I didn't meet Claudia until our sophomore year at North High- she was from Pleasant Valley and I was from John Marshall. Worlds away from each other but only one block away from being in the same district. She was my locker mate for our last two years depending on whose assigned locker was closer to Butch. She was such a character. I loved that girl. We learned to smoke in her attic bedroom in a tiny closet under the eaves, and my adult self can't believe that we did something so incredibly dangerous. She was so talented at sewing and making matching wool suits when everyone else was buying them. Her's were beautifully made.  She had a real talent for hair -- that kept her employed for years until her hips and knees started to complain. 
My father had grown up poor and really pulled himself up getting a bachelor’s degree, two masters and a PHD before he was 30. He was a snob about going to "beauty college" because he thought kids should go to 4 year colleges to get ahead in the world. I was sent to Friends where I promptly flunked out when I quit going to class. When Claudia and I studied for our first mid-terms she was taking biology, anatomy, basic chemistry, etc. and I was majoring in Art, Drama and Journalism. Her subjects were so difficult, and she did so well. After her graduation she got a great job and was soon making good money. My father's attitude did a complete 180 when he realized how successful she was. He was President at Cowley County Community College for 20 years and many times at Commencement addresses he would pull out a 5 x 7 photograph of Claudia in her white uniform and tell the audience about his misconception about non-traditional students. He had become one of the big supporters of Community Colleges for kids to become self-sufficient. Claudia was a big reason for his changes toward education.
We were so much alike that we sometimes shared boyfriends -- that was either a good thing, or a bad thing. It was odd that we had never met each other's spouses when we became engaged but we really meshed as a foursome. When she and Kenny got married we lived one block apart and were together all the time. One time she kidnapped Angie right out of the cradle and took her to her little house down the street because she had air conditioning and we didn't. After Viet Nam, she and Kenny had changed so much - she had become a working girl and was completely self-reliant.  After their divorce she met and married Jim and the two of them were a part of our family for 30 years. We played bridge, pinochle, pitch, fished, camped, remodeled, gardened and went to church together. She helped me make wedding cakes during our lean years. I will always miss her. We lost touch over the last few years, but I thought of her nearly every day and Tom and I always called on July 3rd to sing Happy Birthday to her. Losing both Claudia and Jim this year has been a real loss for her friends and families. My best wishes go out to Brenda, Rick, Dusty and Nikki. God bless you guys.
M

Dana 'BRUCE' Simpson

Back in 2010 iwe  had a short conversation at the reunion.  She had the usual big smile and that way she walked brought back memories.  She actually asked me if I remembered her.  I then said of course and you havent changed since 1965.  When i entered the building I spotted her and heard her voice.  Yip thats Claudia always entertaining.  What a great gift she had to spread the joy.  I remember that she could cut up in class as much as Jim Shore and I could.  It was a gift to have her in my life and in my past so many years ago.  RIP Claudia.  

Bruce Simpson

Jo Ann Becker (O'Shea)

Claudia's passing has flooded me with many happy memories from my childhood.  She was my neighbor on Salina Street and our lives were completely intertwined.  There were bikes, horses, sheep, donkeys, llamas, play houses, birthday parties, swimming at Muncipal Park pool and picnics at Riverside Zoo.  Claudia's mom "Johnie" was my Brownie Scout Leader and we learned to cook, sew and do craft projects (ie melting 78 rpm records in the Mercer's oven, then scultping them into fruit bowls).  Claudia and I ate PBJ's while learning to identify poison ivy at the Little House Day Camp in Oak Park.  School friends and activities centered around Arkansas Avenue School.   Midnight Sneakers on Friday nights, field days, talent shows, carnivals and cake walks.  Girlfriend slumber parties with Claudia, Shareld Craft, Gail Findley, Marcia Maltby, and Frieda Swift made my growing up years the very best imaginable.  Through it all, Claudia was always the Life of the Party!  Rest in Peace, dear childhood chum.