Clara (Daugherty) Updike, age 90, a long-time resident of Elwood, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2015 at Westminster Village Living Community in Muncie after an extended illness. She was born October 13, 1924 in Uhrichsville, Ohio, the daughter of Raymond and Ella (Carroll) Daugherty. Clara was a graduate of Uhrichsville High School and later Ohio State University. She married the love of her life, John J. Updike, on June 8, 1947. Clara was a homemaker and formerly taught 2nd grade in Elkhart, Indiana. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Elwood where she taught Sunday school and Junior Church for many years. She was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, a Troup Leader for the Girl Scouts, member of the P.T.A, and formerly active in the United Methodist Women. Clara was also a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Tri Kappa Sorority where she was part of the Tri Kappa "Grandma's Group", the Landon Guild, and a dedicated volunteer at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital. Clara was devoted to her family and the Elwood community.

Clara's surviving family includes her husband of 67 years, Dr. John J. Updike of Westminster Village in Muncie; 3 children, Philip (wife Claudia) Updike of Muncie, Carolyn (husband Ralph) Dehner of Fairfield, OH, and Thomas (wife Amy) Updike of Carmel; 8 grandchildren, Lindsay (husband Josh) Van Gorkom, Drew (wife Nancy) Updike, James Updike, Shannon Collins, Sean (wife Seeun) Updike, Esther Dehner, Michael Dehner, and Jill Uhler; 6 great-grandchildren, Preston Collins, Elliott Collins, Reid Van Gorkom, Jonah Uhler, Addie Uhler, and Luke Uhler; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Joseph Daugherty; and sister, Anna Mary Baxley.

A memorial service celebrating Clara's life will be conducted at 11 AM on Friday, April 24, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Cindy Osgood, former pastor of Elwood First United Methodist Church officiating. Entombment will take place in the Elwood City Mausoleum at a later date. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, and will include a St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Volunteers memorial service at 7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through the funeral home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.