On October 23, 2015, we lost the beloved matriarch of our family, Shirley Ruth Klar. She'll always remain in our hearts as a person of strength and honor; a true mensch. She was loyal and created deep connections with those she loved.

Her strong Jewish roots set her on a lifelong path of giving back. Among her many contributions, she served as president of Jr. Hadassah, President of Tulsa's National Council of Jewish Women and Vice President and Treasurer of Temple Israel's Sisterhood. She was honored throughout her life with awards for her leadership and dedication.

Helping clients of the Tulsa Recreation Center and helping children in the Head Start vision screening program were two projects near and dear to her heart. More recently she was proud to be part of the ladies weekly sewing group, making pillows for breast cancer survivors.

Shirley was born January 8, 1920 in Brooklyn, NY, to Morris and Fannie Steinberg. Growing up with a large extended family, including 14 first cousins, she experienced a love for bringing everyone together. Shirley continued the tradition of large family gatherings as her own family expanded through the years. She leaves a legacy of strong values and the importance of family, faith, love and generosity. She loved infusing (her dry) humor into our everyday lives and asking tough questions and expecting thoughtful, substantial answers. She was a berakah to us all.

Shirley was married 58 years to Melwyn Klar, who died in 2006. She is survived by her brother, Martin Sherman; her four children; Brad, Karen, JoAnn and Robin; and her six grandchildren: Bracken, Katrina, Jessica, Danny, Jodie and Lee; and her great-granddaughter, Natalie Rose.

Memorial services will be 12:30 p.m., on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at the Tulsa Jewish Community Health Center,2025 E 71th Street. If you wish to honor Shirley's memory, donations can be made to The Klar Pulpit Memorial Fund, c/o Temple Israel, 2004 E 22nd Place,Tulsa, OK 74114.

FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL 918-585-1151