Clara May Chism, 85, of Swayzee, passed away at 9:00 am on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Timbercrest Senior Living in North Manchester. She was born in Marion, Indiana, on June 10, 1940, to John and Pauline (Woody) Ladd.
Clara graduated from Swayzee High School and later owned and operated Chism’s Corner Restaurant for many years. Clara was an avid Indiana University basketball fan and loved cheering for the Indianapolis Colts. She also enjoyed watching westerns.
Clara is survived by her son, Greg (Kathy) Chism; grandchildren, Joshua (Brooke) Hecox, Brandon (Terra) Chism, Ashley L. (Wade) Tully, Natasha (Stacy) Harris, and Jareth (Lisha Glasscock) Chism; great‑grandchildren, Dezaree, Allie, Katlynn, Cameron, Teraka, Madison, Cassie, Christian, Tristan, Ryan, Jayden, Liam, and Drake; five great‑great‑grandchildren; her brother, Johnny Ladd; and sisters, Janet Owens and Paulette Johnson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Gene Chism; her daughter, Tracy Jean Hecox; and her parents, John W. and Pauline Ladd.
Honoring Clara’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral service.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham‑Storey‑Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, Indiana.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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