Clara Walsh

Clara Dean (Turnbow) Walsh passed away on the 5th of July, 2025 in Abilene Texas. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Piersall Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, July 11th, 2025 at Piersall Funeral Home. Services are under the direction of Piersall Funeral Home, 733 Butternut Street, Abilene Texas 79602. Burial will follow at Bradshaw Cemetery in Bradshaw, Texas.

Clara was born in Bradshaw, Texas to Landon and Clara (Bagwell) Turnbow on April 2, 1942. She went to elementary school at South Taylor Independent School district until it consolidated with Tuscola where she went to high school. She married Kenneth Leo Minatra on August 9th , 1959 in Tuscola, Texas. They had three boys, James Kenneth Minatra in 1960, Gary Wayne Minatra, in 1962, and Eddie Dean Minatra in 1966. Coaching and supporting their son’s with baseball, Kenneth and Clara were one of the founding members in establishing what was then known as “Southern Little League Baseball” in South Abilene. Kenneth and Clara moved to Sonora Texas in 1973 while Kenneth was working with West Tex Drilling.

In 1977, Clara moved back to Abilene. On October 12 1982, Clara married Charles Milton Walsh. Charles and Clara were members of the Oldham Lane Church of Christ and enjoyed 25 years together. She loved visiting with her friends Linda and Dolly at the hair salon “Reflections” for many years.

Clara was all about family. Our memories of “Friday late night trips” after mom would get off work, to visit her siblings. She would travel miles just for a weekend visit and the opportunity to see family. She loved to play games and passed on her competitive spirit to many of her grandchildren. We will forever cherish her wicked sense of humor and love of family.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Milton Walsh, her parents, Landon and Clara (Bagwell) Turnbow, brothers Earl Turnbow, and Harven Turnbow. Sisters, Ann Roberts, Mary Hallford, Margie Berry and Faye Rendon.

Clara is survived by her sons, James Kenneth Minatra and wife Diane of Abilene Texas, Gary Wayne Minatra and wife Loli of Granbury Texas, and Eddie Dean Minatra and wife Anissa of Abilene Texas. Brothers, Jimmy Turnbow of Hereford Texas, Harold (Brenda) Turnbow of Helotes Texas and Wayne (Jackie) Turnbow of Abilene Texas. Sisters, Betty Morris (Gale) of Andrews Texas and Lavern Neithercutt of Abilene Texas. Grandchildren, Lindsey (Matt) McCarty, Candice (Mike) Bolding, Chase Minatra, Landon (Whitney) Minatra, Olivia Blake (Ross), Morgan (Cody) Tilly, Great Grandchildren, Caleb, Sadie, Ryan, Charlie, Grace, Clark, Rylan, Atlas, Lane, Rhett, Luke, Charlotte, Colton and Sonny.

Pallbearers will be Chase Minatra, Landon Minatra, Mike Bolding, Matt McCarty, Ross Jones and Cody Tilly.

Memorials may be given to an organization of your choice. The family of Clara Walsh would like to extend our sincere thanks to the entire staff at Windcrest Health and Rehabilitation Center in Abilene Texas and Hendricks Hospice of Abilene. Thank you to LuJane Corely for your lifelong friendship with our mom. Your love and support were special and dear to her heart.