Clara P. Johnson-Harding

Clara P. Johnson-Harding, 96,
died September 17, 2013, at her home
surrounded by family. Clara was born
November 11, 1917, in Salt Spring Island,
B.C. Canada. She had six sisters, and 1
brother. Clara married John Alexander
and they had 4 children. Upon moving
to Walla Walla, Washington, she married
Elmer M. Johnson. They opened and
operated Johnson Radio & TV on Isaacs
Ave., and in 1952 Clara’s Ceramics was
added. Elmer Johnson died in 1996 and Clara continued to
operate the business until 2000 when she married Edward
Harding and then retired and closed the store. Edward Harding
died in 2010.

Clara joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles on January 5,
1953 and was a member for over 60 years. She was Auxiliary
Madam President in 1957, and then went on to become State
Madam President in 1972 and Grand Madam President in
1975. She was very active in the Eagle organization throughout
her 60 years. In the early 60’s Clara joined the Auxiliary
Drill Team, became Captain of the Drill Team and they held
Champion status for many years and continue to do so. She
created a special sauce for hotdogs and in the early 60’s the
Auxiliary opened the Footlong Hotdog and Dippy Dog
concession at the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days, which
continues to this date. Her hotdog sauce is known throughout
the Walla Walla Valley and may faithful fans have gone to the
fair for the pleasure of eating one of those footlong hotdogs.

Clara’s duties as Past Grand Madam President required
her to travel extensively throughout the United States and
Canada as a representative of the Fraternal Order of Eagles
Grand Auxiliary and PGMP Clara was considered a sister
Eagle by so very many.

Clara was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church and a
member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Clara is survived by a Sister: Doreen Shirley, Clarkston,
WA; her children: David (Beverley) Alexander, Johnette
Manhas, Peter (Maureen) Alexander; Step-son: Robert
(Beverly) Johnson; Grandchildren: Steven Alexander, Bruce
(Jeanne) Alexander, Trina (Clay) Harrison, Heather (Martin)
Reed, Micheal (Lara) Alexander, Brian (Christina) Alexander,
Thomas (Paulina) Alexander, Jr., Clinton (Angie) Alexander,
Derrick (Kathryn) Alexander, Michelle (Justin) Alexander,
Frank (Cindy) Manhas, Paul Manhas, Steven Manhas, Jeri
(Tim) Shaw, David Johnson and L. Diane Johnson; 22 Great-
Grandchildren; four Great-Great-Grandchildren.

A sincere thank you to Clara’s caregiver and closest friend,
Linda Hindman, for the countless hours of love, comfort and
care. You are a very special lady. Clara’s Chihuahua puppy,
Dolly, will miss her.

Clara was preceded in death by her husbands, five sisters,
one brother, and one son, Thomas Alexander.

Services will be Wednesday, October 2, 2013, at 10 a.m.,
Christ Lutheran Church, 1420 S. Second Ave., Walla Walla,
WA. A gathering of family and friends will follow immediately
after the service at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 350 S. Second
Ave., Walla Walla, WA. A luncheon will be served by the Walla
Walla Past President’s Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Walla
Walla Fraternal Order of Eagles, No. 26, or a charity of your
choosing.