Clarie Kathleen Larimer

Celebration of the Life of Claire Kathleen Dudley LarimerClaire Kathleen Dudley Larimer passed peacefully at home in Zionsville, Indiana, on August 22, 2026, at the age of 78, surrounded by the love of her family and the faith that had sustained her throughout her life. Born on April 16, 1948, in Burlington, Wisconsin, Claire was the daughter of Judith Grace Jochimsen Dudley and Foster Pettibone Dudley. She grew up in Burlington, where the kindness and generosity that would become the hallmark of her life first began to shine. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison before beginning the next chapter of her life with her beloved husband, Ralph Paul Larimer. Together they faithfully navigated the early years of marriage and military life, building a home wherever Ralph's service led and creating a family grounded in love, faith, and steadfast commitment. To know Claire was to experience genuine kindness. Many people have described her as the kindest person they had ever known. Claire had a rare gift: not only did she genuinely love people, but they knew it. They felt it in the way she remembered the little things, welcomed them into her home, listened with interest, celebrated their joys, and quietly cared for their needs. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone she had just met, she made you feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. She possessed the remarkable ability to make every person feel like they were her favorite. She noticed the person who was left out and instinctively made room for them. If she believed she could bless someone, she simply did. She shared meals, opened her home, gave away food, passed along treasured belongings, and quietly met needs without expecting anything in return. Hospitality was not something she practiced—it was simply who she was. Claire had an extraordinary memory for the little things that made people feel loved. She remembered favorite foods, personal preferences, birthdays, and meaningful traditions. Family celebrations were never ordinary. Birthdays were lovingly decorated, meals were prepared with care, and everyone who walked through her door felt like they belonged. Friends frequently found themselves saying, "I just love Claire," because spending time with her felt like becoming part of the family. Her compassion extended beyond people to God's creation. She loved animals deeply and over the years welcomed many stray dogs into her home, believing that every creature deserved care and affection. Claire found joy in the simple gifts of life: hiking—especially in the mountains—singing, learning new things (including taking up boxing later in life), celebrating birthdays, and creating memories with family and friends. She delighted in watching others laugh, play, and enjoy themselves. Their joy became her joy. Her life was anchored by an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She faithfully served the church throughout her life through choir, Sunday School, and women's ministry, always seeking opportunities to encourage and care for others. Psalm 23 held a special place in her heart, reflecting the quiet confidence she had in God's faithful shepherding throughout every season of life. Her church family at College Park Church became an important part of that journey of faith. Above all else, Claire loved well. Her warmth, gentleness, generosity, and servant's heart created a legacy that cannot be measured simply by years lived, but by lives changed. The love she poured into others continues to knit her family together and extend outward, inviting others into that same circle of belonging she created so naturally. Claire is lovingly survived by her husband of many years, Ralph Paul Larimer; her daughter Maren L. Mittal and husband V. Simon Mittal, and their children, Kyla and Jamin Mittal; her son Eric Larimer and wife Jessica Larimer, and their children Aria Pridemore and husband Mark Pridemore, Daniel Larimer and wife Carly Larimer, who are joyfully expecting Claire's first great-grandson in January 2027, and Thomas Larimer; her daughter Anne Sushka and husband Steven Sushka, and their children Ella, Eli, and Sarah Sushka; and her brother Mark Dudley and wife Kay Dudley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Judith Grace Jochimsen Dudley and Foster Pettibone Dudley and sister, Diane Judith Dudley. Claire often expressed that she did not want people to focus on planning an elaborate celebration of her life. Instead, her hope was simple: that people would truly celebrate a life well lived and, even more importantly, celebrate God's faithfulness throughout it. We are grateful to honor that wish as we gather together in gratitude for the remarkable gift she was to all of us. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 08, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at College Park Church, 2696 W. 96th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268. There will be no visitation prior to the service. Following the celebration, family and friends are invited to remain for a reception with light refreshments and an open microphone for anyone who would like to share a memory, story, or reflection about Claire. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to Rock Steady Boxing, a cause that reflects Claire's determination, courage, and joyful spirit. As we remember Claire, may we carry forward the life she modeled so beautifully: noticing those who feel overlooked, welcoming others with warmth, giving generously, celebrating life's moments, loving deeply, and trusting faithfully in the Good Shepherd who never leaves His children. "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. "Psalm 23:6