Clara Beth Lolley passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 81. Known for her resilience, Beth faced health challenges in her later years, including pneumonia and complications related to cancer, which she battled with strength and grace.
Clara Beth graduated from Edgemont High School in 1982 and went on to attend Black Hills State University, where she earned a degree in education.
Her passion for teaching led to a long and impactful career in the Fall River County school district, where she taught elementary school for more than 35 years.
She was known as a gentle but firm presence in the classroom one who inspired generations of students with her patience, encouragement, and wisdom.
Clara Beth married her high school sweetheart, James Lolley, in 1985. Together, they built a home full of love, laughter, and devotion.
The couple raised three children Michael, Sarah, and Lucas each of whom was shaped by their mother’s steady guidance and unwavering support.
Clara Beth was a proud grandmother of seven and took immense joy in watching her grandchildren grow.
She was a constant presence at school plays, soccer games, and birthday parties, always cheering them on with pride and affection.
In addition to her professional and family life, Clara Beth was deeply involved in her community. She volunteered with the Edgemont Public Library, Meals on Wheels, and the First United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir for many years.
Friends and neighbors remember her as someone who could be counted on to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.
Whether organizing a food drive, baking pies for a fundraiser, or simply dropping off soup to a sick neighbor, Clara Beth’s heart for service was ever-present.
Even in her later years, Clara Beth remained active, gardening, quilting, and enjoying weekly book club meetings with her close circle of lifelong friends.
Her sharp wit, sense of humor, and warm presence made her a beloved figure in Edgemont. She faced her final days with grace and dignity, surrounded by the love of her family and the comfort of her faith.
Clara Beth Lolley is survived by her children, grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family and friends. She will be deeply missed, but her life will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Edgemont on August 2, 2055, at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Edgemont School District Scholarship Fund in Clara Beth’s honor.
