Clara Vance

With a love for laughter and a generous heart, Clara Vance lived a life rich in wonderful memories with those she so dearly loved. Though Clara could be stubborn and set in her ways, she was fiercely loyal and giving to her loved ones. She was a friendly person who was very intentional about making wonderful memories, always celebrating the “Good Days” and doing her best to provide comfort on the harder ones. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and care provider, Clara will long be remembered and so dearly missed.

The 1950s were known as the decade of the Baby Boomers. With the Great Depression and WWII firmly in the past, the decade centered around family. Jobs were abundant, and simple things like buying a home and raising children became the focus for most. Whether catching a ball game or watching TV, family time was the goal, and hope for the future was the norm. It was with this sense of hope that Eugene Stiles and Suzanne (Barnes) Kessler welcomed their daughter Clara to their family on January 31 in Muskegon, Michigan.

In time, Clara moved to Grand Rapids, where she lived the rest of her life. Despite the challenges Clara experienced in her youth, she always possessed a deep drive to serve others, notice beauty in the world, and spend time with loved ones. She met and fell in love with David Vance, an auto mechanic in Grand Rapids, and his three children.

Married for forty-four years, Clara and David made their first home on National Avenue NW and later Richmond Street NW. Proud Westsiders, the couple created many wonderful memories together, including welcoming their three children, Michael, Maria, and Merle, to their family. Clara’s dream of having four children was realized when her daughter Kaylee’s adoption was finalized.

Though Clara was a strict mother, she was also incredibly loving and always present. She stayed home until the children were all in school, and she taught them responsibility and accountability by giving each of them chores around the house. Clara always loved children. She willingly welcomed neighborhood kids to her home and supervised them with great care. Clara loved cooking and baking; her famous beef stroganoff, rum cake, and personalized birthday cakes were unrivaled. She loved hosting holidays, lovingly fixing all the food for extended family celebrations, and enjoyed going out to eat. Her favorite restaurant was Cheers on Plainfield.

Once her children were all in school, Clara found work that allowed her to share her heart while caring for others. First, she worked as an aide at a nursing home, and for the last six years, she worked as a paraprofessional with Walker Charter Academy. She loved supervising and keeping the children safe. Clara also provided home care for her mother, husband, and son, Michael, ensuring their comfort in their final days.

Always up for a trip to the casino, Clara’s favorites were Gun Lake and Little River, where she always seemed to come out ahead. She loved any time spent on Lake Michigan, especially at Grand Haven. She relished in the warmth and thoroughly enjoyed the annual fireworks. Many trips to Florida to visit family and soak up the sunshine were enjoyed, too. The trip she and Kaylee recently took to Miami was extra special.

Clara’s grandchildren were, without a doubt, her heart’s delight. She loved being a grandma and always planned to make special memories and spend quality time with them. Many family members, friends, and all the babies were gifted beautiful blankets that Clara skillfully crocheted.

As we celebrate the countless ways Clara gifted our lives, may our many memories afford deep comfort. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy of unwavering love and commitment to the care of others forward. In each moment we gather our loved ones together for a special meal and cheer on their endeavors, enjoy a day at the lake or casino, lead with our hearts, share a good laugh, or wrap ourselves in one of Clara’s blankets, we keep Clara’s memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Clara Delores Vance, age 66, passed away May 5, 2025, at Butterworth Hospital. Clara was born January 31, 1959, in Muskegon to the late Eugene Stiles and Suzanne (Barnes) Kessler. She was also preceded in death by her husband, David Vance; son, Michael Vance; brother, Orville Stiles; and step-granddaughter, Terry Lynn Vance.

Clara is survived by her children, Maria (Joe) Gardner, Merle Vance, and Kaylee Vance; stepson, Terry (Sandra) Vance; grandchildren, Isaiah, Samantha, and Michael; step-granddaughter, Brooke Omstead; siblings, Eugene (Kim) Stiles, Exa Moore, and John Stiles; and several nieces and nephews. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with family beginning at 10 AM. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or given to the family to help with final expenses. To read more of Clara’s Life Story, leave a memory, or sign the guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.