Clara D. Wertz

Clara Danielsen Wertz, 89, of Newberry, widow of Joe W. Wertz, died Monday, November 22, 2010, at J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home.

Born on July 1, 1921, in Newberry, she was a daughter of the late Alvin J. and Nettie Willingham Danielsen. “Aunt Clara” as she was affectionately known by many was a graduate of Newberry College and taught and coached for a number of years at Little Mountain and Newberry High School. She retired as the owner of Wertz Music and Appliance Company after 50 years. She was a lifelong member of O’Neal Street United Methodist church where she was a Sunday School Teacher, Youth counselor, a member of the United Methodist Women, and the Administrative Board.

She was associated with the following organizations- the Newberry Merchant’s Association, Newberry Development Board, Newberry County Girl Scouts, President’s Advisory Council of Newberry County for Newberry College, Rosemont Cemetery Association Board of Trustees, West End Cemetery Association, Newberry Housing Authority, Newberry County Memorial Hospital Board, Newberry County Council on Aging Advisory Board, and the SC National Bank Advisory Board.

Mrs. Wertz was the Rotarian Lay Person of the year in 1981, held the Ladies Championship Golf Title at Newberry Country Club for many years and was honored with having the activity center at Grant Homes named in her honor.

She was honored with the Newberry Business and Professional Women of the Year in 1961, the Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medallion in 1962, the Book of Golden Deed Award in 1968 and the Special Membership in Women’s Society of Christian Service in 1971.

She is survived by her sisters, Dorothy (Pete) Padgett of Atlanta, GA, Frances Berry and Betty (Donnie) Layton both of Newberry; sisters-in-law, Frances Danielsen and Barbara Danielsen and a number of nephews, nieces and great nephews and great nieces. Mrs. Wertz was predeceased by brothers, Ned, Jim and Guy Danielsen, a sister-in-law, Louise Danielsen, a brother-in-law, Casper Berry and a nephew, Larry Danielsen.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at O’Neal Street United Methodist Church by the Rev. Richard Goldie. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to O’Neal Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 5, Newberry, SC 29108.

Active pallbearers will be Danny Padgett, Randy Berry, Keith “Rufus” Berry, Mark Berry, Tim Berry, Don Layton, Kent Layton, Rodney Danielsen and Chris Danielsen.

Honorary pallbearers will be nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

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