WASHINGTON -- Clara Auberry, 72, of Washington, passed away at 10:25 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2005 at her residence. She had been ill for several months.

Born Jan. 27, 1932 in Greene County, she was the daughter of Harley Mathena and Helen Beck.

She was a homemaker. She and Philip Benefiel had a Clown Ministry, "Nip & Tuck," which they performed at nursing homes. She was a member of the Faithway Baptist Church

Survivors include: her significant other Philip Benefiel of Washington; two sons, Steve Auberry of Bloomfield and Michael Auberry of Evansville; a daughter Peggy Myers of Washington; a step-daughter Lisa Limbach of Washington, a step-son Max Benefiel of Washington; two grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; a sister Ruth Cooksey of Paducah, Ky.; and a brother James Mathena of Linton.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Gordon Auberry and a brother Jack Mathena.

Funeral service was Saturday at Poindexter-Hall & McClure Funeral Home in Washington with the Rev. Wayne Walters officiating. Burial was in Bethany Cemetery.