Clara Shaver

Clara Elaine Shaver, 80, of Davenport, IA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at Senior Star at Elmore Place in Davenport.

She battled bravely against pulmonary fibrosis and Alzheimer’s disease for several years before the Lord took her loving spirit to be with Him, and to reunite her in spirit with her loving husband, Robert B. Shaver, who preceded her in death.  She was the daughter of Homer F. and Gladys F. (Kratz) Seber.

Clara was a loving and dedicated daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, who lived quietly while strongly pursuing beliefs she held dear.  She cherished her family, and worked hard to stay in touch with them by phone and letter, and later by e-mail.  She felt that it was important to let her family know that they were in her thoughts, even if her note was just to let them know that she was “fine.”

When she had decided something, the issue was concluded.  There was never a need for argument because people would be changed more by your conduct than your words.  When her family was around her, love and happiness radiated from her soul.  And don’t ever, ever make jokes about “women.”

Clara’s primary role was that of mother, until her children were in high school.  After that, she had a brief career in retail, and ultimately retired from banking.  But her proudest achievement was to see all five of her grandchildren graduate from college.  While attending the graduation of her youngest granddaughter, Clara commented, “The world changes so fast.  When my grandchildren were born, I only wanted to live to see them graduate from high school.  Now I have seen them graduate from college.  Life is good!”

Clara was originally from Gary, IN and is survived by her sister, Beverly Gallaitis (husband, Nick), and her brothers Douglas F. (recently moved to Aurora, CO) and John W. Seber (wife, Sheila) of Merrillville, IN.

Clara is also survived by her three children, Michael (wife, Janet) of Carmel, IN, Marianne Kleminski (husband Michael) of Cave Creek, AZ, and Patricia (husband, Michael Dannenfeldt) of Davenport.  In addition, Clara had five grandchildren, Melissa, Robert, Timothy, Rebecca, and Daniel, and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Jospehine.

In keeping with Clara’s persona, there is to be no fuss and no prolonged series of events in honoring her life.  As such, services for Clara will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf, IA with the viewing at 12:00 p.m. and the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m.

Friends and family so disposed can make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter in Clara’s name.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Clara’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.