Clara Ohmes

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Clara Marie Ohmes, 88, of Charleston died Thursday, April 14, 2005, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Nov. 15, 1916, in Charleston, daughter of George Andrew and May Dyer McElmurry. She and Benjamin Henry Ohmes were married June 14, 1942. He preceded her in death Dec. 23, 1971.

Mrs. Ohmes had lived in Charleston her entire life, where she was a member of First Baptist Church, active in WMU organization, and vacation Bible school. She assisted in the organization of the first Girl Scout troop in Charleston, and also was a member of the American Red Cross and Mississippi County Historical Society. She was a secretary to Dr. Charles E. Rolwing from 1938 until 1969.

Survivors include a sister, Emma Lou Ayers of Charleston; nieces and nephews, W.R. Thompson and wife Peggy, Eleanor S. Crowell, Janet Presson and husband Don, Donald McElmurry and wife Carol, Judy Leist and husband Nick, Marilyn Pickett, Frank "Buddy" McElmurry and wife Arlinda, Geraldine Northcutt and husband Ron, Joyce Long; also a number of great, great-great, and great-great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Cecil McElmurry and Harry McElmurry, and a sister, Edna Thompson.

Friends may call after 1 p.m. Saturday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston until the funeral hour at 3 p.m. Ronnie Northcutt of Calvert City, Ky., will officiate. Private graveside rites will be conducted at IOOF Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be John Thompson, Jason Thompson, Scott Crowell, Don McElmurry, Lucas Presson and Nicholas Leist.