Clara Jane Spencer

Clara Jane Spencer, 88, El Dorado Springs, passed away May 3, 2009, in Cox South in Springfield, after a long illness. She was born in the Olympia community in Cedar County 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 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 his four children – Steve, Ray, Joanne and Vickie. They were married 44 years before Edward’s death in 2004.

Clara worked in the cafeteria at El Dorado Springs RII School for many years before retiring. She was among the founding members of 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 – El Dorado Springs, Gerald Matthews, and wife, Mary Ann – Knob Noster, Darrell Mathews – El Dorado Springs, Steven Spencer, and wife, Judy – Osceola, Ray Spencer, and wife, Glenda – El Dorado Springs, Joanne Sumner, and husband, Charles – Stockton, and Vickie Hensley, and husband, Marvin – Monett; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Weldon (Betty) White – Excelsior Springs, 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a multitude of other family and friends.

Services began at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, in the Park Street Christian Church with Rev. Steve Bond officiating. Interment followed in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.
Pallbearers were – Tim White, Mike Whitesell, Curtis Matthews, Darren Matthews, Robert Gibbs and Brian Sumner. Honorary pallbearers were – Nick Matthews, Charlie Sumner, Chris Leeper, Randy Spencer, Daniel Sumner and Bill McWilliams.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis and left at the funeral home.