Clara M. Christian B-B-70-6

Clara M. Christian, 101, joined her loved ones in heaven Wednesday evening, May 29, 2013. She was a resident of Nineveh. She was born in Tell City to Swiss emigrants, Hilda (Hermann) and Carl Schneider. She earned a scholarship to John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis. She lived in the attic at the Benjamin Harrison Home. Clara continued her education and earned a master's degree at Indiana University. She met Grant W. Christian, and they were married in 1942. Grant was a prominent Indiana artist and commercial artist. Clara worked for the Indianapolis Public Schools as an art consultant. She and her team were instrumental in promoting the arts to children during the time when the arts were well funded in the public schools. They purchased original artwork seen today throughout the halls of Indianapolis Public Schools. Clara and Grant were world travelers and enjoyed diverse cultures, history, art and museums. Clara was a member of the Portfolio Club and Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. She volunteered for the American Red Cross. Clara loved to entertain and cook and did so elegantly. Clara is survived by her daughter, Susan Christian; her sister, Mildred Hartz; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Joseph Christian (wife, RyAnne); Blake Christian, Averie Christian, Julia Christian; Jessica Christian and her two boys, Tilly Peters and stepgranddaughter, Angela; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Clara was preceded in death by her loving husband Grant W. Christian; her beloved son, Ret. Capt. Anthony B. Christian; and brothers and sisters, Hilda Sollman, Dora Nedds, Anna Beard, Rose Marie Newkirk, Fred Schneider, Carl Schneider, Lewis Schneider and Roy Schneider. A celebration of Clara's life will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Flinn & Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 N. Morton St. (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin. The Rev. John Young will officiate. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Rest Haven Cemetery in Edinburgh. Online condolences may be made at www.flinnmaguire.com.