Erah Hatten Kliewer died on Friday, January 19, 2024, surrounded by her family.   The daughter of Leone and Earl R. Hatten, Erah was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1925, in Albany, New York.  The family moved to Hampton, VA, when she was five years old.  Erah graduated from Hampton High School in 1941 and Mary Baldwin College in 1945 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  After graduation, Erah returned to Hampton, VA, where she was employed at Langley Airforce Base and met her future husband, L.W. “Duff” Kliewer.  A few years after marriage, Duff and Erah relocated to Newport News, VA, where they lived out their lives overlooking the golf course they loved and enjoyed. 

Erah is survived by her three children; son L.W. “Duff” Kliewer Jr. (Bruce Pensyl), daughter Linda E. Kliewer (Ann Hinds), daughter Lora Kliewer Howerton (Lin), and grandson Ethan L. Howerton. 

Erah had many life passions; golf and bridge were at the top of her list.  She loved her family and friends and was always upbeat, full of life, and ready to go shopping. She never wanted to miss anything (hence living for 98+ years).

She was a member of the Hampton Roads Golf Association, Peninsula Golf Association, Tidewater Team Matches, and James River Country Club Women’s Golf Association. Erah represented James River many in the Virginia State Team Matches and was the Club Women’s Champion in 1969, 1973, and 1989.  She played bridge competitively at the Bridge Center of Newport News well into her 90s and enjoyed social bridge throughout her life.  She served our Peninsula as a founding member of the Junior League of Hampton Roads, a member of the Hampton Roads Garden Club, and a volunteer with the American Red Cross.  Erah was also a member of the Hampton Roads German Club and the Hampton Roads Assembly.

Erah’s family would like to thank Ms. Jennifer Days, CNA & Ms. Tracey Elbert, CNA, for their devotion and loving care of their mother, the doctors, and all staff of Riverside Regional Medical Center’s Cardiology Unit for their care and compassion. 

The family requests that contributions to honor the life of Erah Hatten Kliewer be made to The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter (CHKD) in honor of her granddaughter Kacie E. Howerton, who preceded her in death in 2007.  Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, 601 Children’s Lane Norfolk, VA 23507 (https://www.chkd.org/Support-Us/Donate-Online/). 

A celebration of life will be held during the summer, date to be announced. 

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.