Clara Mae (Clemans) Winegardner, 84, Rochester, went to receive her treasure in heaven at 10:37 a.m. Thursday at the home of her daughter Judy Davis in Edmond, Okla.
Clara was born in Fulton County to Mary V. (DuBois) and Merritt Clemans. Mary Clemans, her mother, died in 1930 when Clara was 4 years old. She was then raised by her aunt Ethel (DuBois) and uncle George Duey along with her cousins David and John Duey, who became more like brothers than cousins. She was married June 22, 1946, to Wilbur O. "Boots" Winegardner who preceded her in death Feb. 5, 1996, just shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Clara was a homemaker and public accountant. She ran her income tax business for over 60 years. She enjoyed catching up with each one of her clients as they arrived during the tax season. Clara went to church during her childhood at the Mud Creek Chapel on Old U.S. 31. She served on the board of trustees to preserve the chapel, cemetery, heritage and memories until her death. After the chapel doors closed for worship, she became a faithful member of the Rochester Church of Christ. Her love for God was evident her entire life. Her prayer for her children and grandchildren was that they would love their God with all their hearts and strive to deepen that relationship. Clara also loved flowers and birds. Her yard was filled with a beautiful mix of irises, gladiolas, lilies, snap dragons, peonies, poppies and roses to name a few. The plants and greenery served as a backdrop behind the many bird feeders around her house. She would sit in her chair and watch the birds by the hour in her later years. Her other interests included sewing, fishing, mushroom hunting, watching the Indianapolis Colts, gospel music and traveling. Some of her excursions led her to Europe, Mexico, Canada and every state in this wonderful country of ours. The standout trips that she talked about most were the mission trip to Miskolz, Hungary, the motor home drive to Alaska, the breathtaking drive through the New England states in the fall, the annual trip on Mother's Day weekend to Branson with her girls, sitting in the roaring waves of the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, being blinded by the snow on the top of the Swiss Alps, and singing a gospel medley with her daughter, Judy, as they looped down the mountain road overlooking the Italian Riviera. She had lots of stories to tell about her adventures and listening to those stories never grew old.
When family and friends think of Clara Mae in the days, months, years ahead she will be remembered for the special touches that could only come from her homemade noodles; fudge in the fudge platter; ribbons on packages crunched just right; excitement in her voice when she found another missing puzzle to the family tree; homemade apple dumplings, potato salad like no other; the way she decorated the house at Christmas that exuded the most wonderful feeling of "home"; bringing neighbors, family and friends together for cocoa and carols at the chapel; the thrill at seeing her little wren come back to spend another summer with her; her collection of rain water buckets; her rich, wonderful alto voice that would make you stop just to listen; the Christmas greenery on the fireplace mantle all year; homemade strawberry and raspberry jam; but most of all she will be remembered for her sweet, giving spirit; the twinkle in her eyes; and a smile that would light up a room.
Family was a very important part of Clara's life. Even when Clara and her brother, Dean, were separated to live with different relatives, she realized during those pivotal years that family was everything. She loved those that were taking care of her but she longed for the family unit of her mom, her dad and her brother. As Clara started her own family, there was never any question how important family was to her. During the early part of her marriage, she was a caregiver to her bedridden mother-in-law and father-in-law until their deaths even as she was raising four small children. Clara also moved her aunt Ethel Duey into her home and tended to her for many years until her death.
She leaves behind her family who love and adore her; her cherished church family; her many, many friends; her lifelong neighbors; her classmates from the Fulton High School class of 1944; and her devoted tax clients of many years.
Survivors include three daughters, Lana Blanchard, Albany, Janie and husband Sid Smart, Claremore, Okla., and Judy Davis, Edmond, Okla.; son Jack Winegardner and wife Debbie, Macy, nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Boots Winegardner; one brother, Dean Clemans; one half brother, Jay Clemans; one stepbrother, Leo Woodhouse; cousin David Duey; and great-granddaughter Megan Blanchard.
Services entrusted to Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home.
Clara was born in Fulton County to Mary V. (DuBois) and Merritt Clemans. Mary Clemans, her mother, died in 1930 when Clara was 4 years old. She was then raised by her aunt Ethel (DuBois) and uncle George Duey along with her cousins David and John Duey, who became more like brothers than cousins. She was married June 22, 1946, to Wilbur O. "Boots" Winegardner who preceded her in death Feb. 5, 1996, just shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Clara was a homemaker and public accountant. She ran her income tax business for over 60 years. She enjoyed catching up with each one of her clients as they arrived during the tax season. Clara went to church during her childhood at the Mud Creek Chapel on Old U.S. 31. She served on the board of trustees to preserve the chapel, cemetery, heritage and memories until her death. After the chapel doors closed for worship, she became a faithful member of the Rochester Church of Christ. Her love for God was evident her entire life. Her prayer for her children and grandchildren was that they would love their God with all their hearts and strive to deepen that relationship. Clara also loved flowers and birds. Her yard was filled with a beautiful mix of irises, gladiolas, lilies, snap dragons, peonies, poppies and roses to name a few. The plants and greenery served as a backdrop behind the many bird feeders around her house. She would sit in her chair and watch the birds by the hour in her later years. Her other interests included sewing, fishing, mushroom hunting, watching the Indianapolis Colts, gospel music and traveling. Some of her excursions led her to Europe, Mexico, Canada and every state in this wonderful country of ours. The standout trips that she talked about most were the mission trip to Miskolz, Hungary, the motor home drive to Alaska, the breathtaking drive through the New England states in the fall, the annual trip on Mother's Day weekend to Branson with her girls, sitting in the roaring waves of the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, being blinded by the snow on the top of the Swiss Alps, and singing a gospel medley with her daughter, Judy, as they looped down the mountain road overlooking the Italian Riviera. She had lots of stories to tell about her adventures and listening to those stories never grew old.
When family and friends think of Clara Mae in the days, months, years ahead she will be remembered for the special touches that could only come from her homemade noodles; fudge in the fudge platter; ribbons on packages crunched just right; excitement in her voice when she found another missing puzzle to the family tree; homemade apple dumplings, potato salad like no other; the way she decorated the house at Christmas that exuded the most wonderful feeling of "home"; bringing neighbors, family and friends together for cocoa and carols at the chapel; the thrill at seeing her little wren come back to spend another summer with her; her collection of rain water buckets; her rich, wonderful alto voice that would make you stop just to listen; the Christmas greenery on the fireplace mantle all year; homemade strawberry and raspberry jam; but most of all she will be remembered for her sweet, giving spirit; the twinkle in her eyes; and a smile that would light up a room.
Family was a very important part of Clara's life. Even when Clara and her brother, Dean, were separated to live with different relatives, she realized during those pivotal years that family was everything. She loved those that were taking care of her but she longed for the family unit of her mom, her dad and her brother. As Clara started her own family, there was never any question how important family was to her. During the early part of her marriage, she was a caregiver to her bedridden mother-in-law and father-in-law until their deaths even as she was raising four small children. Clara also moved her aunt Ethel Duey into her home and tended to her for many years until her death.
She leaves behind her family who love and adore her; her cherished church family; her many, many friends; her lifelong neighbors; her classmates from the Fulton High School class of 1944; and her devoted tax clients of many years.
Survivors include three daughters, Lana Blanchard, Albany, Janie and husband Sid Smart, Claremore, Okla., and Judy Davis, Edmond, Okla.; son Jack Winegardner and wife Debbie, Macy, nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Boots Winegardner; one brother, Dean Clemans; one half brother, Jay Clemans; one stepbrother, Leo Woodhouse; cousin David Duey; and great-granddaughter Megan Blanchard.
Services entrusted to Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home.
Clara Mae (Clemans) Winegardner, 84, Rochester, went to receive her treasure in heaven at 10:37 a.m. Thursday at the home of her daughter Judy Davis in Edmond, Okla.
Clara was born in Fulton County to Mary V. (DuBois) and Merritt Clemans. Mary Clemans, her mother, died in 1930 when Clara was 4 years old. She was then raised by her aunt Ethel (DuBois) and uncle George Duey along with her cousins David and John Duey, who became more like brothers than cousins. She was married June 22, 1946, to Wilbur O. "Boots" Winegardner who preceded her in death Feb. 5, 1996, just shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Clara was a homemaker and public accountant. She ran her income tax business for over 60 years. She enjoyed catching up with each one of her clients as they arrived during the tax season. Clara went to church during her childhood at the Mud Creek Chapel on Old U.S. 31. She served on the board of trustees to preserve the chapel, cemetery, heritage and memories until her death. After the chapel doors closed for worship, she became a faithful member of the Rochester Church of Christ. Her love for God was evident her entire life. Her prayer for her children and grandchildren was that they would love their God with all their hearts and strive to deepen that relationship. Clara also loved flowers and birds. Her yard was filled with a beautiful mix of irises, gladiolas, lilies, snap dragons, peonies, poppies and roses to name a few. The plants and greenery served as a backdrop behind the many bird feeders around her house. She would sit in her chair and watch the birds by the hour in her later years. Her other interests included sewing, fishing, mushroom hunting, watching the Indianapolis Colts, gospel music and traveling. Some of her excursions led her to Europe, Mexico, Canada and every state in this wonderful country of ours. The standout trips that she talked about most were the mission trip to Miskolz, Hungary, the motor home drive to Alaska, the breathtaking drive through the New England states in the fall, the annual trip on Mother's Day weekend to Branson with her girls, sitting in the roaring waves of the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, being blinded by the snow on the top of the Swiss Alps, and singing a gospel medley with her daughter, Judy, as they looped down the mountain road overlooking the Italian Riviera. She had lots of stories to tell about her adventures and listening to those stories never grew old.
When family and friends think of Clara Mae in the days, months, years ahead she will be remembered for the special touches that could only come from her homemade noodles; fudge in the fudge platter; ribbons on packages crunched just right; excitement in her voice when she found another missing puzzle to the family tree; homemade apple dumplings, potato salad like no other; the way she decorated the house at Christmas that exuded the most wonderful feeling of "home"; bringing neighbors, family and friends together for cocoa and carols at the chapel; the thrill at seeing her little wren come back to spend another summer with her; her collection of rain water buckets; her rich, wonderful alto voice that would make you stop just to listen; the Christmas greenery on the fireplace mantle all year; homemade strawberry and raspberry jam; but most of all she will be remembered for her sweet, giving spirit; the twinkle in her eyes; and a smile that would light up a room.
Family was a very important part of Clara's life. Even when Clara and her brother, Dean, were separated to live with different relatives, she realized during those pivotal years that family was everything. She loved those that were taking care of her but she longed for the family unit of her mom, her dad and her brother. As Clara started her own family, there was never any question how important family was to her. During the early part of her marriage, she was a caregiver to her bedridden mother-in-law and father-in-law until their deaths even as she was raising four small children. Clara also moved her aunt Ethel Duey into her home and tended to her for many years until her death.
She leaves behind her family who love and adore her; her cherished church family; her many, many friends; her lifelong neighbors; her classmates from the Fulton High School class of 1944; and her devoted tax clients of many years.
Survivors include three daughters, Lana Blanchard, Albany, Janie and husband Sid Smart, Claremore, Okla., and Judy Davis, Edmond, Okla.; son Jack Winegardner and wife Debbie, Macy, nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Boots Winegardner; one brother, Dean Clemans; one half brother, Jay Clemans; one stepbrother, Leo Woodhouse; cousin David Duey; and great-granddaughter Megan Blanchard.
Services entrusted to Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home.
Clara was born in Fulton County to Mary V. (DuBois) and Merritt Clemans. Mary Clemans, her mother, died in 1930 when Clara was 4 years old. She was then raised by her aunt Ethel (DuBois) and uncle George Duey along with her cousins David and John Duey, who became more like brothers than cousins. She was married June 22, 1946, to Wilbur O. "Boots" Winegardner who preceded her in death Feb. 5, 1996, just shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Clara was a homemaker and public accountant. She ran her income tax business for over 60 years. She enjoyed catching up with each one of her clients as they arrived during the tax season. Clara went to church during her childhood at the Mud Creek Chapel on Old U.S. 31. She served on the board of trustees to preserve the chapel, cemetery, heritage and memories until her death. After the chapel doors closed for worship, she became a faithful member of the Rochester Church of Christ. Her love for God was evident her entire life. Her prayer for her children and grandchildren was that they would love their God with all their hearts and strive to deepen that relationship. Clara also loved flowers and birds. Her yard was filled with a beautiful mix of irises, gladiolas, lilies, snap dragons, peonies, poppies and roses to name a few. The plants and greenery served as a backdrop behind the many bird feeders around her house. She would sit in her chair and watch the birds by the hour in her later years. Her other interests included sewing, fishing, mushroom hunting, watching the Indianapolis Colts, gospel music and traveling. Some of her excursions led her to Europe, Mexico, Canada and every state in this wonderful country of ours. The standout trips that she talked about most were the mission trip to Miskolz, Hungary, the motor home drive to Alaska, the breathtaking drive through the New England states in the fall, the annual trip on Mother's Day weekend to Branson with her girls, sitting in the roaring waves of the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, being blinded by the snow on the top of the Swiss Alps, and singing a gospel medley with her daughter, Judy, as they looped down the mountain road overlooking the Italian Riviera. She had lots of stories to tell about her adventures and listening to those stories never grew old.
When family and friends think of Clara Mae in the days, months, years ahead she will be remembered for the special touches that could only come from her homemade noodles; fudge in the fudge platter; ribbons on packages crunched just right; excitement in her voice when she found another missing puzzle to the family tree; homemade apple dumplings, potato salad like no other; the way she decorated the house at Christmas that exuded the most wonderful feeling of "home"; bringing neighbors, family and friends together for cocoa and carols at the chapel; the thrill at seeing her little wren come back to spend another summer with her; her collection of rain water buckets; her rich, wonderful alto voice that would make you stop just to listen; the Christmas greenery on the fireplace mantle all year; homemade strawberry and raspberry jam; but most of all she will be remembered for her sweet, giving spirit; the twinkle in her eyes; and a smile that would light up a room.
Family was a very important part of Clara's life. Even when Clara and her brother, Dean, were separated to live with different relatives, she realized during those pivotal years that family was everything. She loved those that were taking care of her but she longed for the family unit of her mom, her dad and her brother. As Clara started her own family, there was never any question how important family was to her. During the early part of her marriage, she was a caregiver to her bedridden mother-in-law and father-in-law until their deaths even as she was raising four small children. Clara also moved her aunt Ethel Duey into her home and tended to her for many years until her death.
She leaves behind her family who love and adore her; her cherished church family; her many, many friends; her lifelong neighbors; her classmates from the Fulton High School class of 1944; and her devoted tax clients of many years.
Survivors include three daughters, Lana Blanchard, Albany, Janie and husband Sid Smart, Claremore, Okla., and Judy Davis, Edmond, Okla.; son Jack Winegardner and wife Debbie, Macy, nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Boots Winegardner; one brother, Dean Clemans; one half brother, Jay Clemans; one stepbrother, Leo Woodhouse; cousin David Duey; and great-granddaughter Megan Blanchard.
Services entrusted to Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home.
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