Clara Jean Antle Gosser Ballenger, of Russell Springs, passed from this life on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Jean Waddle Care Center in Somerset, surrounded by her family. She was eighty years, two months, and fourteen days of age.
Born at home, in Jamestown, on September 3, 1943, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Clifton and Mildred Hassell Antle. Clara was a faithful member of Fairview Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and was the groundskeeper and custodian in years past. She was a member of the Fairview Homemakers Club and a former member of a bowling team. Clara was very proud of her accomplishment of being recognized as Woman Farmer of the Year by the USDA for her dedication has a beef cattle farmer. She was also honored to have been on the Home Garden Tour for her majestic yard and garden. From the fruits of her labor in her garden, Clara cooked meals and canned vegetables for her family. She was a lover of all animals and enjoyed collecting antiques. Clara was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who will be deeply missed.
Survivors include her husband, Glenn Ballenger, of Russell Springs, whom she wed on July 18, 1997; two sons, Michael Leon (and Christopher) Gosser, of Louisville, and Matthew Joel (and Lisa) Gosser, of Russell Springs; two daughters, Sonja Annette (and Kevin) Clark, of Jamestown and Glenna Lee (and Eddie) Thomas, of Russell Springs; her daughter-in-law, Chris (and Hiram) Smith, of Russell Springs; eleven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Clara is also survived by two brothers, James Roe (and Lois) Antle and Doug (and Jill) Antle, both of Jamestown; two sisters, Jewell (and David) Blair, of Russell Springs and Peggy (and Mike) Adams, of Jamestown; and her sister-in-law, Dorothy Sullivan, of Jamestown.
In addition to her parents, Clara was preceded in death by her first husband, Orvia Leon Gosser, who passed away on February 24, 1997; her son, Mitchell Gene Gosser; her brother, Glen Antle; and three siblings who died in early childhood, Johnny, Joyce, and Bonnie Antle.
Funeral services are 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 20, 2023, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Brother Bill Mullins and Brother Eric Antle officiating. Clara will be laid to rest in Fairview Memorial Cemetery following the services.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Sunday, November 19, 2023, and will continue from 7:30 A.M. until time of services on Monday, at Bernard Funeral Home.
Alex Gosser, Dustin Ballenger, Maxon Gosser, Mayes Gosser, Reid Rinehart-Hite, Brad Gosser, Lance Antle, and Chris Antle will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503.
Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Clara Jean Ballenger are under the care and direction of Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.