Obituary of Clara Motz - Eberl (nee Jess)

Clara Motz – Eberl

Obituary

Clara was born on September 28^th, 1929, in Three Hills, Alberta to George and Caroline Jess. In November of that same year the family moved to a farm NE of Hanna where she was raised.

Clara and her siblings worked hard on the farm doing whatever was needed to be done to help the family make ends meet during some difficult times.

She attended Grassy Slope School, which was about ¾ mile from the farm until the age of 14.

Growing up in a Christian home and becoming a Christian at the age of 14 meant that Clara shared equal value in her faith as she did in working hard. Her faith and the desire she had to share that faith has brought her strength through the years. She often said the last couple years that the reason she is still alive is so she can pray for her children and grandchildren.

On October 14^th, 1950, Clara married Otto Motz and they farmed and ranched north of Spondin, where they raised 3 boys: Doug, Glen and Darrell. Otto’s health forced him to retire and move to Hanna in 1984. Otto passed away in May of 1991 at the age of 65.

Clara stayed in Hanna until April 1994, when she moved to Chinook Village in Medicine Hat.

On July 1^st, 1995, Clara married Florian Eberl and they lived on his farm outside of Claresholm. She enjoyed being back on the farm, having a garden, seeing the cattle and what each season would bring on the farm. 

After having a few TIA’s and some concerns about her health she decided to move back to Chinook Village in Medicine Hat in June of 2021, so she could be closer to family and potential medical care.

In July of 2022 Clara had a stroke and there were many times the family thought she might not make it through, but she rallied back to fairly good health and was able to move to Riverview Age Care where she lived until her passing on September 20, 2024, at the age of 94.

Clara found joy in her children and grandchildren, having people around her table, visiting and talking on the phone.

Clara was predeceased by her parents George and Caroline Jess; sisters: Ella (Elmer) Minke, sister Ida (Walter) Banco; brother Ted (Irene nee Heller) Jess; husband Otto Motz, husband Florian Eberl and grandson-in-law Colin Burritt.

Clara is survived by her sons: Doug (Joan), Glen (Sonnie), Darrell (Dawna); daughter-in-law Sue; 13 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; 5 stepchildren and their families; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 11:30 a.m. at the Hanna Cemetery. A time of fellowship will follow the graveside service at the Hanna Seniors Circle.

If desired, donations in memory of Clara can be made directly to the Gideon Society of Canada, www.gideons.ca