Clara Sue Vanderford

Clara Sue Vanderford (Horst), of Boonsboro, Maryland, passed away August 2, 2026. Born on September 22, 1952, in Hagerstown, Maryland, Sue lived a life rooted in faith, family, and quiet service to others.

A graduate of North Hagerstown high school, Sue worked as a nurse’s assistant before dedicating herself fully to the roles she valued most: loving wife of 28 years to her husband (deceased) Jan Vanderford, homemaker, mother, and caregiver. She later opened a small childcare business, where her patience, warmth, and steady presence brought comfort and structure to the children in her care. In retirement she cherished simple days spent with family and friends.

Sue was a devoted Christian whose faith shaped her daily life and community involvement. She volunteered with Acts 9 in Hagerstown, supporting local outreach efforts that reflected her belief in practical kindness.

She found joy in the everyday pleasures of walking, reading, sewing and baking, and she especially loved time at Rehoboth Beach. Those who knew her remember a woman who expressed love through quiet acts of care-whether through a home-cooked meal, a carefully sewn gift, or simply being present.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband Jan Vanderford, parents Noah and Martha Horst, brother Larry Horst and sister Louise Foreman (Horst). She is survived by her brothers, Delbert Horst, Robert Horst, and Daniel Horst; her sons, Joshua Vanderford and his wife Teresa and Thomas Vanderford and his wife Krista; and her grandchildren: Kayla Vanderford, Maya Vanderford, Samuel Vanderford, Ciara Cobos, Varon Cobos, Salvador Fernandez, Alyssia Fernandez, Aleah Vanderford, Jocelyn Vanderford, Kirsten Vanderford, and Audrey Vanderford.

Sue’s legacy lives on in the family she nurtured and the quiet ways she made life better for those around her. She will be deeply missed.The family will receive friends from 10am to 11am on Monday, August 10th at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home in Boonsboro. A celebration of Clara's life journey will take place at on Monday, August 10th, at 11 am at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike in Boonsboro, Maryland. Pastor Dana Mersereau will officiate. Interment will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Boonsboro, Maryland.