Obituary of Mary E. McElyea Clare

Mary Elizabeth McElyea Clare, age 90, of Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of Oran, Missouri, passed away Monday, March 30, 2009 at Windsor Estates in Camdenton, Missouri. She was born July 23, 1918 in Piggott, Arkansas, a daughter to Aaron and Bertha (Williams) Hollingsworth. Mary grew up in the mining community of Colp, Illinois, where her father was a carpenter for Madison Coal Company and later near Piggott, Arkansas, where her father and mother owned a farm. She graduated from Piggott High School. Mary was united in marriage, June, 1942 to Charles W. McElyea who preceded her in death in 1975. She then married H.F. (Jim) Clare in 1982 who also preceded her in death in 2004. Mary graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College and the University of Missouri with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught fifth grade and special education classes in Senath, Eminence, Campbell, and Mountain Grove, Missouri until her retirement in 1981. Mary was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 72 years and Past Worthy Matron; Missouri Retired Teachers Association and was a member of the United Methodist Church of Oran, Missouri. Mary loved laughter and always had a funny story to tell. As her family lovingly reflects, three words that sum up the life of Mary McElyea Clare; Grace, Laughter and Pearls. Mary is survived by three sons and one daughter, Charles E. McElyea and wife Nancy of Camdenton, Missouri, Martha E. McElyea of Kansas City, Missouri, Robert W. McElyea of St. Louis, Missouri, and Paul A. McElyea and wife Judy of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri; grandchildren, Christopher McElyea and wife Courtney, Brian McElyea, Aaron McElyea and wife Mel, and Caleb McElyea and wife Erika; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Tommy, Maggie, Emily, Andrew, Brianna and Caden.