Claudia, 81, went to her heavenly home on September 27, 2026, where she was welcomed into the presence of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.

Claudia was born on December 12, 1944, in Wamego, Kansas, the oldest of five siblings (Carol Dinnen, Ken Arnold, Wayne Arnold, and Theresa Martin). She is preceded in death by her parents, Paulina and Claude Arnold. She shared 60 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Galen, building a life together centered upon faith, family, and a deep and enduring love for one another. Claudia and Galen faithfully attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in Xenia, Ohio, for 46 years, where their Christian faith was an important part of their lives together.

Claudia was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Galen; her son, David Smith, and daughter-in-law, Amanda (Collins) Smith, of Xenia; and her daughter, Shawna Mikesell of Fairborn. Among Claudia’s greatest blessings were her four beloved grandchildren, Alaura Mikesell, Autumn Smith, Garrett Smith, and Dalton Smith. They were truly her pride and joy, and she took great delight in each of them.

Claudia was known by her family and friends as being a lady of simple elegance, with a love of hats and an innate sense of what was proper. She loved a hot cup of coffee, a High British or Victorian Tea with the ladies from her Bible study, or a cold Starbucks Frappuccino (her favorite). She would stay up until early morning hours reading cookbooks from cover to cover like a novel; she would put sticky notes with handwritten messages on the pages of cookbooks and cooking magazines and then construct elaborate shopping lists for her husband who would then embark on extended scavenger hunts at the local Kroger attempting to find these elusive ingredients because he knew it would make her happy.

Claudia loved life and there was nothing too small to bring her joy, whether it was a red-chested hummingbird outside her kitchen window, personalized Christmas ornaments for her grandchildren, putting together a puzzle, or her cherished time with her husband. He would read her devotions every morning and they would spend precious time together in prayer. Many, many prayers were spoken over neighbors, children, grandchildren, friends from Emmanuel, a cashier at Kroger, a server at the Coffee Hub, or even Claudia's wound nurse, and too many others to list. If you had the opportunity to meet either Galen or Claudia it would be certain that Jesus would hear about you.

She loved the holidays, celebrating, hosting, cooking a special gourmet meal, and going out for dinner with her dear friends Barry and Sally and Bob and Kathy - to name a few. Claudia radiated the love of Christ to others. She loved from such a deep well of compassion and mercy that her acts of kindness were legendary. Her compassion and mercy were so abundant that the wildlife outside their home became frequent visitors because Claudia made sure that even the stray cats had tuna fish and the squirrels, especially "Whitey", the favored albino squirrel, would come by often and was fed with almonds and the special deluxe fancy nuts.

Claudia leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and a legacy of faith and love that will continue through the lives of those she cherished. While her absence will be profoundly felt, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now home with the Savior she loved.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23

A private graveside service will be held for the family.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11am at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1120 South Detroit Street in Xenia, Ohio. The family will receive visitors following the service and will fellowship over a light lunch, also at the church.

Flowers can be sent to Emmanuel Baptist Church in Xenia. Memorial donations can be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church in Claudia’s honor.