Born September 30, 1927 in Tryon, N.C.
Died March 29, 2015 in Spartanburg, S.C.

Clara K. Hitt, 87, of Spartanburg, S.C., a longtime resident of Crystal Lake, Ill., passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, March 29, 2015, surrounded by her loving children.

She was a devoted mother of seven who also worked at McGraw-Edison until early retirement in 1973. She was also a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Ladies Auxiliary of Spartanburg. She was preceded in death by her first husband Hanford (Hank) Newman; her second husband, Robert (Bob) Hitt; a daughter, Vicki Newman; parents, Oscar and Lillie Kimbrell; sisters, Leita (Re) Thompson, Sarah (Eleanor) Cantrell, Lillie (Geneva) Johnson, and her grandson, Kevin Scott.

She married Hank in 1946 in Polk County, N.C., and moved to Crystal Lake in 1952 with their first three children in tow, added four more there, and made Crystal Lake their permanent home until Hank passed suddenly in 1970. She married Bob in 1973 and they were from that point forward almost inseparable while they enjoyed a long and wonderful retirement after moving to South Carolina in 1985. They both loved to travel and visit with friends and relatives, as well as vacation to other destinations both here and abroad. Clara also enjoyed the social aspect and camaraderie of league bowling for over three decades, and made many special friends along the way. Clara also loved golf! One of her favorite sayings was, “It’s something you can do for your whole life,” and she certainly did just that, achieving every golfer’s dream of a hole in one in 1991.

She is survived by six children: Mike Newman, Kay Newman, Judy Scott (Bob) Hilbrick, Tom (Debbie) Newman, Jerry (Sharon) Newman, Rhonda (Rick) Howe, and sister, Jean (Bill) Painter. She was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren: Traci Soto-Garcia, Misty Newman, Josh Newman, Elise Newman, Chad Newman, Aaron Howe, Kyle Howe, and seven great-grandchildren: Katie Newman, Christian Soto- Garcia , Chloe Soto-Garcia, Chandler Soto-Garcia, Otto Shore, Ollie Shore, and Jackson Newman-Nahuis. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who was very, very special, and will be deeply missed.

For those wishing to send an expression of condolence: Mobile Meals, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC, 29304 or Spartanburg Regional Hospice, 686 Jeff Davis Dr. Spartanburg, SC 29303, or online condolences at www.bobofuneralchapel.com.

The memorial service will be 3 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2015, at Bobo Funeral Chapel, 1860 Cannons Campground Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307 (864-582-6341). The service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Ken Casillas and family members. Visitation will be 2-3 p.m. before the service, with an informal dinner gathering for everyone planned afterward.

Petty-Bobo Co.
Bobo Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service