Clara Irene Matteson was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on March 7, 1933, the daughter of Samuel and Viola Cotton Appleby. After attending Lincoln High School in Des Moines Clara was united in marriage to Bert Matteson in Grinnell, Iowa on June 22, 1953. The couple met as pen pals while Bert was stationed in Korea. Eventually the couple ended up in Malcom where Clara worked as a waitress at Dickie's Prairie Home and also as a bus driver for BGM School District. She enjoyed fishing, camping, bowling, gambling and sewing. Even though she was only 5' 0", Clara was a fighter with a big heart. She always made people feel like they were the most important person in the room. Clara was always careful about casting judgments on anyone, she preferred to love people just as they are.

Clara is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bert Matteson; a grandson, Brian Gregory; a great grandson, Oakley Van Patten; and a brother, James Appleby.

She is survived by her two sons, Bert (Barbara) Matteson and Kevin Matteson; her two daughters, Roma Neitzel and Brenda Wear; a daughter-in-law, Connie Matteson; two sisters, Marry Ann Logan and Jessie Mae Bentley. Clara also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and thirty great grandchildren.