Obituary of Clara D. (Moyer) Kolb

Our loving and kindhearted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Clara (Moyer) Kolb, 87, of Phoenixville, went home to be with the Lord on April 12, 2018, while family was at her side.

Born on June 22, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Jacob M. and Ida (Detweiler) Moyer of Souderton. She was raised at Souderton Mennonite Church where her father was minister and conference bishop. Always eager to learn, Clara urged her parents to send her to Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg, VA. Following graduation Clara worked at her father’s business, Moyer & Son, while she went to college.

Through the Mennonite Youth Choir, Clara met Homer E. Kolb of Spring City and they were married on October 2, 1954. Together they were very dedicated to their local church family, Vincent Mennonite Church, for the rest of their lives. Within a few years of being married they purchased a dilapidated farm that they would patiently restore over their lifetime into a property that fostered beauty, hospitality and creativity.

Along with her husband, Clara worked full time outside the home to support their family of three children and start Kolb Company, a kit aircraft manufacturer built on Homer’s pioneering work in the ultralight aircraft industry.

Clara was a loving wife, nurturing mother, wonderful grandmother, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Together Homer and Clara traveled to air shows for their business, national parks with their family, and around the world with their close friends.

Clara was an avid reader, tireless antique collector, and could often be found solving a crossword puzzle. She loved spending time with family, had a servant’s heart, and enjoyed preparing delicious meals for gatherings in her home. Her gift of hospitality and ready smile gave many a warm welcome, whether from down the road or around the world. She had a sharp mind, memory rich in detail, and was a gifted writer until suffering a stroke in 2014. She was able to continue living on her farm thanks to a delightful and selfless caregiver, Samantha Myrie, who quickly became part of the family.

Clara was welcomed into heaven by her husband, Homer, and daughter, Christine Balmer. She is survived by son-in-law Dan Balmer of Telford, daughter Joan Kucharik and husband Jim of Schwenksville, son Marcus Kolb and wife Carol of Phoenixville, grandchildren: Joshua, Jessica, Alisha, Faith, Austin, Jordan, Chloe, and Wesley, and six great-grandchildren. Also brother Paul Moyer and wife Esther of Souderton.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Clara's life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 at Vincent Mennonite Church, 39 Seven Stars Rd, Spring City. Calling hours will be from 9-11 a.m. in the church. Burial to follow service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to support the ministry of Dale and Beth Nafziger in Nepal. Send contributions marked “In memory of Clara” to Vincent Mennonite Church, 39 Seven Stars Rd, Spring City, PA 19475.