* Clara Bell Spencer; Retired Local Nurse

Longtime Ventura resident Clara Bell Spencer died at her home Friday after a long illness. She was 90.

Spencer was born Dec. 1, 1908, in Frederick Hall, Va., and raised in Washington, D.C.

She married a serviceman and they lived in several locations, including Hawaii.

Spencer moved to Ventura in 1948 so her husband, Jack, could be near his oil industry job. Jack Spencer died in 1952.

In the mid-1950s, Spencer attended Ventura College and earned a nursing degree. She worked as a licensed vocational nurse at what is now Ventura County Medical Center. She also worked as a private-duty nurse for several years before retiring in her 60s.

Spencer enjoyed reading romance novels and was a cat lover.

“She was tough on the outside but had a heart of gold,” said Spencer’s longtime friend, John Papuzza.

Spencer met Papuzza’s wife, Zee, when they worked in nursing. Spencer and the Papuzzas were friends for more than 40 years.

Spencer has no surviving relatives.

There will be a viewing from 11 a.m. to noon Monday at Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura, and a graveside service at 12:30 p.m. at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.