Clara Jane Spencer

Clara Jane Spencer, 88, passed away on May 3, 2009, at Cox South in Springfield, Mo., after a long illness. She was born around Olympia, in Cedar County, Mo., to Clyde Lindsey and Julie Ann (Bunker) Lindsey, on March 16, 1921.

The family moved to California during the depression and picked fruit in the orchards. She met Weldon Olie White, and they were married on Dec. 17, 1939. To this union three sons were born: Weldon Lindell, Douglas Ronald, and Charles Wayne. Weldon Olie White died in the late stages of World War II.

Later Clara met Ray Matthews and they were married May 15, 1947. To this union triplets were born: Darrell, Gerald, and Cheryl.

Some years later Clara met Edward Spencer and they were married Aug. 1, 1960. Edward brought to this union four children: Steve, Ray, Joanne, and Vickie. They were married 44 years, before Edwards death in 2004.

Clara worked in the cafeteria at El Dorado Springs R-II school for many years before retiring. She was among the founding members for Park Street Christian Church.

Preceding Clara in death were: her parents; her husbands, Weldon White, and Edward Spencer; two sons, Weldon Lindell White, and Douglas White; one daughter, Cheryl Spencer; one brother, Charles Lindsey; and two sisters, Lucille McWilliams and Luvan Cole.

Clara is survived by her children, Wayne White and wife June, of El Dorado Springs, Gerald Matthews and wife Mary Ann, of Knob Noster, Mo., Darrell Matthews, of El Dorado Springs, Steven Spencer and wife Judy, of Osceola, Mo., Ray Spencer and wife Glenda, of El Dorado Springs, Joanne Sumner and husband Charles, of Stockton, Mo., and Vickie Hensley and husband Marvin, of Monett, Mo.; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Weldon (Betty) White, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a multitude of other family and friends.

Services for Clara Jane Spencer will be held today, at 2 p.m., at Park Street Christian Church, with Steve Bond officiating. Interment will follow in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery, under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are: Tim White, Mike Whitesell, Curtis Matthews, Darren Matthews, Robert Gibbs, and Brian Sumner. Honorary pallbearers are: Nick Matthews, Charlie Sumner, Chris Leeper, Randy Spencer, Daniel Sumner, and Bill McWilliams.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cystics Fibrosis Foundation, in memory or Clara Spencer in care of the funeral home.