Clara Helen Dansfield

Clara Dansfield passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Spectrum Health Lakeland from post-surgical complications. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 11 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Josh Bishop officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 2 PM until 4 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Out of respect for the family and guests in attendance, mask and proper social distancing will be required at both the visitation and service. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, https://www.gracestjoseph.org/give or Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation, memo Spectrum Health Lakeland Volunteers, 1234 Napier Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Clara was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 3, 1927, the oldest of William and Hulda (Arndt) Kuyat’s four children, and the family soon moved to Sodus Michigan. Clara attended Benton Harbor High School and graduated in 1946. On August 18, 1951, she married Donald Dansfield. Together the two had two sons, James & Gary. After her children were born, Clara went back to work for Whirlpool Corporation as a secretary. While working she also went to night school to obtain an associate’s degree in business. After graduating and during her employment with Whirlpool, she held several management jobs in personnel and benefits areas before retiring in September 1990. After retirement, Clara became a volunteer at Lakeland Hospital donating her time for 30 years, and served as the President of the Lakeland Auxiliary from 2002 -2006. Clara was very independent and enjoyed living on her own, attending services at Grace Lutheran Church and spending time in her garden up until the time of her death. She also took great happiness in traveling in the earlier years of retirement, slowing down in her mid-80’s. Clara is survived by her sons, James (Carol) Dansfield of St. Joseph, MI and Gary (Karen Roarty) Dansfield of Schenectady, NY; grandchildren, John Dansfield of Columbia, SC and Blake Dansfield of Dublin, OH; sisters, Frieda Williams and Emily Baushke, both of St. Joseph, MI, and sister-in-law, Ester Kuyat of Sodus, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents, William & Hulda; and brother, Carl Kuyat.