Ella McClarney

THEBES, Ill. -- Ella L. McClarney, 89, of rural Thebes passed away Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Jan. 29, 1920, in Alexander County, Ill., daughter of the late Willis and Verbia Kelley Wilmoth.

Mrs. McClarney was a charter member of First Freewill Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Ill., and was a housewife and homemaker.

She and James William "Bill" McClarney were married Sept. 7, 1940, at Thebes. He preceded her in death Nov. 17, 1990.

Survivors include two daughters, Carol Underwood of Burleson, Texas, Karen Lofton of Thebes; a son, Bill McClarney and wife Amy of Thebes; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Ed, Leslie and Martin Wilmoth; and two sisters, Nota Sutton and Mary Wheeler.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Curtis Alderman and the Rev. John Montgomery officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Thebes.