Clara Lucille Salzer Hanna, 88, of Mill Creek, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at her home.

 

Clara was born on December 27, 1933 in Mill Creek, IN, to Bert and Sylvia (Bunton) Hamilton.

 

On June 5, 1952, in Westville, she married Harry E. Salzer, who preceded her in death on April 29, 1998. Lucille then had a 17-year domestic partnership with Donnie Long, who preceded her in death on June 8, 2015. Later, on October 8, 2016 in La Porte, Clara married Gary Hanna, who survives.  Also surviving are her children, David (Jim Millikin) Salzer of Nokomis, FL, Debora Tener of Punta Gorda, FL, Rick Salzer of Mill Creek, Susan (Danny) Salzer Fowler of Mill Creek, IN, and Sherry (Randy) Taylor of La Porte; 8 grandchildren, Tracy Ortiz, Scott Salzer, Adam Tener, Jimmy Fulton, Trisha Raskopf, Kaila Bucher, Troy Nelson, and Rachel Bucher; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 great, great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded by her parents; first husband; domestic partner; son, Larry Salzer; daughter, Becky Hunt; great grandson, Christopher Tener; brothers, William Hamilton, Roy Hamilton, Charles Hamilton, and Robert Hamilton; and sisters, Margaret Bergerson and June Cash.

 

Clara was a Supervisor for 25 years at American Home Products.  She retired in 1991.  Clara was previously the owner of Salzer Specialty--Greenhouse and woodshop.  She was a La Porte Co. 4-H leader for 10 yrs and previously the Secretary for Trap & Skeet Club in Rolling Prairie.  Clara was a member of the Mill Creek Community Lions Club and the Fish Lake Property Owners Association.  She was a La Porte County Oratorical Winner in 1949. 

 

Clara had a passion for creating and tending to her flower beds and creating wonderful works of art.  She is fondly remembered for her handcrafted gifts that she shared with her employees, friends, and family.   Clara enjoyed playing Bunko, crafting, and mushroom hunting.  She loved to ring her cowbell at the softball games.  Most importantly, Clara loved spending time with her grandchildren. 

 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Rev. Howard Simmons officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

 

A time of visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.

 

Memorial donations may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

 

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.