Clara Mae Davidson

Born on August 4, 1937, at the Ketner family farmhouse in Licking County, Ohio, Clara was the fifth child of Karl Mitchell and Edna Elsie (Freibis) Ketner. Growing up on the family farm, she worked alongside her siblings, developing a lifelong work ethic, resilience, and grit. She graduated from Kirkersville High School in 1955 and fondly remembered her time working on roller skates at Pam's Drive Thru. On December 22, 1956, she married Walter Witte Davidson in Kirkersville, Ohio. The couple later moved to Cape Girardeau, where Clara took great pride in raising their two sons, Doug and Dean, as an impeccable and dedicated homemaker. As her children grew, Clara joined the workforce at the Jim Wilson Company. She was highly respected by colleagues for her outstanding customer service, for being a "mama bear" to younger coworkers, and for building friendships that lasted a lifetime. Clara was a woman of many talents; she was an avid bowler, card player, and bingo caller. An exceptionally creative soul, she crafted beautiful ceramics and crocheted gifts for loved ones. Her handcrafted Christmas ornaments were a celebrated tradition in the Cape Girardeau community. She was also known for making delicious homemade treats—family favorites being her chocolate chip cookies, green cookies, and bourbon slush. Clara was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church and a proud founding supporter of The Walter W. Davidson Scholarship Fund at Southeast Missouri State University. Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Walter; and her siblings, David Ketner, Marilyn Griffin, Fred Ketner, and Dorothy Beal. She leaves behind her loving sons, Doug and Dean (Amy); her cherished granddaughters, Riley and Megan; and a large circle of nieces, nephews, and friends. A visitation will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Ford & Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Ford & Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Burial will follow at Fairmont Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to the Southeast Missouri Foodbank. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Clara Mae Davidson

August 4, 1937 - June 9, 2026