Clara Virginia (Benson) Howdyshell, 85, of Staunton, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Howdyshell was born in Augusta County on March 2, 1941, a daughter of the late Ottobine Preston Benson and Georgia Mae (Strickler) Benson.

Clara is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Kermit Howdyshell. The couple was married on November 2, 1957, at the home of Reverend Frank L. Goodman in Churchville, Virginia.

Clara found fulfillment in caring for her home and family and enjoyed spending her days searching for treasures at yard sales.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Howdyshell was preceded in death by a son, Boyd Blake Howdyshell; nine sisters, Hazel Clatterbaugh, Mamie Woods, Bonnie Runion, Ruby Riddle, Dorothy Cason, Nellie Ellinger, Ruth Lotts, Georgia Clark, and Anna Forcum; and six brothers, Henry, Herman, Elmer, Jessie, Bernard, and Dickey Benson.

Clara was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, is a son, Ronald Howdyshell and his wife, Donya of Staunton; a grandson, Matthew Curtis Howdyshell and his wife, Jessie; and two great-grandsons, Christian Carter and Carson Cash Howdyshell.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory.

A graveside at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026 at Oaklawn Memory Gardens by Reverend William “Bill” Trice.

It is suggested that those desiring make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-1942 or the charity of your choice.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net