Clara B. McGuire Phelps

Clara B. McGuire Phelps, 93, formerly of Billings, Montana, passed away May 19, 2013. Mrs. Phelps was born on the family ranch at Rocky Prairie, Washington, on January 11, 1920 to John D. McGuire and Isabel Whitaker McGuire. She was their only child. Clara’s ancestors were original Oregon Trail Pioneers who arrived in the Oregon Territory prior to 1855 in the first wagon trains. Clara’s early education was in a one-room schoolhouse that was donated by the Whitakers from their original land grant. It was one of the first schools in Thurston County, Washington. She graduated in a class of 17 from Tenino High School, Tenino, Washington in 1937. Her life on the ranch with her parents was a well-remembered wonderful time of traveling and showing prize cattle all over the Northwest. Her fond memories included a bull by the name of Geoffrey, her pony Prince that she rode to the one-room school, and dozens of sheep, chickens, dogs and cats. After some college training courses, Clara went to work for the State of Washington in the Licensing Department in 1939. During World War II, when men were in short supply, she became one of the first women to manage the State’s Licensing Department. It was during that time that she received special clearance from the U.S. State Department to send and receive secret wartime messages. She met Lt. James Harvey Phelps in 1941 and on November 4, 1942 married Jim at the Olympia Women’s Club in Olympia, Washington. They were married for more than 65 years until his death March 9, 2008. Theirs truly was a love story that family and friends heard over and over. After “The War” (1945), Mr. and Mrs. Phelps moved to Pocatello, Idaho where Jim went back to work for the Union Pacific Railroad. They lived in Pocatello until 1970, when they moved to Billings, Montana where Jim started working as a Federal Railroad Safety Inspector with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Clara lived in Billings for 40 years, and moved to Beaverton, Oregon in 2010 to be with her two children and their families. She resided in Oregon until her death. Clara was very active over the years in the Idaho PTA, holding many positions, including president; was a Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Leader; and active in the United Methodist Church as Board Chair for two years. She served her Methodist Church Circles as president and wedding chair and was on the endowment committee several times during her lifetime. For several years, she taught Sunday school and was a United Methodist Youth Fellowship Advisor. She was an active 50 plus year member of Moss Agate Chapter #126, Order of Eastern Star, Billings, Montana, holding many offices and committee positions. Clara loved working with youth. She was a member of The Mother’s Club of DeMolay in Pocatello and worked in leadership roles with Bethel #1 of the International Order of Job’s Daughters, also of Pocatello. In Billings, she served several times as the Guardian of Bethel #7 and was an Honorary Member of Bethels #7 and #10. From 1976 to 1977, Clara had the honor of serving as Grand Guardian of Montana of the International Order of Job’s Daughters, and from 1978 to 1979 was Supreme Fourth Messenger for the international organization. The Bethel girls nicknamed her “Sparky” after the glittery jeweled glasses she wore as Grand Guardian. Clara was active politically her entire life, boasting that she “never missed an election from the time she was first able to register to vote at 21.” She served on many political central committees and political campaigns, walked door-to-door, and over her lifetime met many distinguished elected officials, including no less than three U.S. presidents. She was never afraid to give you her opinion and would always admonish one to “be sure and vote.” Clara and Jim traveled extensively during their marriage. Highlights included many trips to Canada, a trip to the Holy Lands, and another trip to England, Scotland and Italy. They often talked about their travels and the many good friends they met and made along the way. For a number of years, Clara was a member of the Daughters of Washington Pioneers, the Social Order of Beauceant, and a Shrine Lady. She kept active in the Yellowstone Chapter of Audubon with her husband until his death. She is survived by her son, James Howard Phelps, III (Susan) of Beaverton, Oregon; her daughter, Martha Ann (Phelps) Brooks-Waley (Dale) of Beaverton; grandchildren, James Harper Phelps, John Byron Phelps (Michelle), David Aaron Phelps (Emily), Andrew James Brooks; step-grandchildren, Nathan Frerichs (Kate), Eug’enie Frerichs, Mathew Benjamin, Kris Waley Beckman, Karen Waley Nelson; four great grandchildren; seven great step-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Clyde E. Phelps of Alexandria, VA; and many nieces and nephews. Burial will be at the Masonic Memorial Park Cemetery, Olympia with Eastern Star graveside services conducted by the Tenino Eastern Star Chapter on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Viewing will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2013, 1:00 p.m. at Funeral Alternatives, 455 North St SE, Tumwater, WA 98501. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Scottish Rite Language Clinic, 514 14th Street W, Billings, MT 59102, or to the Montana Audubon Society, PO Box 595, Helena, MT 59624, or organization of your choosing. Please leave memories of Clara or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.