Claire May Guthery Newman, 85, left this life on December 28, 2006. She left this life at the same rate as she lived. Although hampered by multiple hip surgeries and dementia, she never slowed down, and arrived at her final destination with her final drop of energy and battling all the way. Claire was born on May 11, 1921 to WY and Bertha Guthery. She grew up on a farm near Minco, Oklahoma and was one of 12 children. Claire is survived by her husband of 65 years Louie V. Newman; sons Kenneth and wife Gerri, Mike and wife Nora; grandchildren, Mick, Blake, Mindy and husband Todd Childs, and Chris. She is also survived by brothers Jeff and Jack Guthery; great-grandchildren: Tyler Newman, Jared and Jackson Childs, Haley, Sarah & Zackery Newman. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dennis, Lem, Bill and Walter; sisters, Alma, Vi, Sue, Mary Ellen and Emma Gene. Many people probably knew Claire had a third child by the name of Joe's Hand Cleaner. In the early years she worked with Onnie and Maud Jones during the formative years, helping guide Joe's into a recognizable and much requested product. In later years she worked tirelessly putting all her energy and life into its growth. Her husband, Louie joined the company in 1968 and they worked side by side developing new markets and customers for Joe's. In 1998 the Newman family purchased Kleen Products, Joe's Hand Cleaner fulfilling a life long dream of Claire's. She continued to work until her 80th birthday, when health forced her to retire. Claire will be deeply missed by her family, friends, customers and business associates. She was truly a one of a kind classy lady who dressed like royalty every day, yet had a shrewd business sense that made her and Joe's a tremendous success. She was truly an early pioneer of women's role in the leadership/ownership of a small business. She was an inspiration to all that met and knew her. The family would like to give special thanks to Claire's brother Jeff Guthery, his daughter Shirley, Russell-Murray Hospice and the special care nurses and aides for the extra care and support needed along the way. Services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 30, 2006 at the Smith & Turner Colonial Chapel. Burial will follow at the Yukon Cemetery.


Published in The Oklahoman on 12/29/2006.