Clara Elizabeth Stephenson

Clara Elizabeth Stephenson

  Clara Stephenson (Burris), 83, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Bill; daughter, Lisa (Jayson); grandson, Cooper; and granddaughter, Rowan. She will also be greatly missed by her sister, Nancy Ruth Stephenson (Hank); her brother, Hugh Burris (Joyce); along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

  Clara was born in El Paso, Texas, on November 4, 1941, to Myrtle and Frank Burris, the fourth of five children. She graduated from Austin High School in 1958 and attended the University of Texas, El Paso, where she majored in business. Bill and Clara married in 1963—enjoying 62 years together, including time spent in El Paso; Denver, CO; Benicia, CA; and finally retiring in Placitas and Rio Rancho, NM.

  Clara enjoyed playing bridge, attending church at Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, completing crossword puzzles at lightning speed, listening to classical music, and spending time with her family and beloved chihuahua, Chica.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clara Myrtle and Frank Wells Burris; her sister, Frances LaBree; and her brother, Frank “Sonny” Burris.

  We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Hospice de la Luz and MorningStar Senior Living for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Clara’s name to Las Placitas Presbyterian Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Las Placitas Presbyterian Church in Placitas, NM.