Mary Clare

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mary Elizabeth McElyea Clare, 90, of Kansas City, formerly of Oran, Mo., passed away Monday, March 30, 2009, at Windsor Estates in Camdenton, Mo.

She was born July 23, 1918, in Piggott, Ark., daughter of Aaron and Bertha Williams Hollingsworth.

Mary grew up in the mining community of Colp, Ill., where her father was a carpenter for Madison Coal Co. and later near Piggott, Ark., where her father and mother owned a farm. She graduated from Piggott High School.

Mary was united in marriage in June 1942 to Charles W. McElyea, who preceded her in death in 1975. She then married H.F. "Jim" Clare in 1982, who preceded her in death in 2004.

She 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, Mo., until retiring in 1981.

Mary was a member of Order of the Eastern Star 72 years and past worthy matron, Missouri Retired Teachers Association, and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Oran.

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.

Survivors include by three sons and a daughter, Charles E. McElyea and wife Nancy of Camdenton, Martha E. McElyea of Kansas City, Robert W. McElyea of St. Louis, Paul A. McElyea and wife Judy of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; four grandchildren, Christopher McElyea and wife Courtney, Brian McElyea, Aaron McElyea and wife Mel, and Caleb McElyea and wife Erika; and seven great-grandchildren, Bailey, Tommy, Maggie, Emily, Andrew, Brianna and Caden.

An Eastern Star service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday followed by the funeral at Landess Funeral Home in Campbell. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Campbell.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to services at the funeral home.

Hedges-Scott Funeral Home in Camdenton is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations are suggested to The Research Foundation, 2316 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, Mo., 64132 (Nursing Scholarship Fund).

Condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.hedgesscottfuneralhomes.com.