"My memory of Aunt Clara goes back to very early childhood. I will miss her in my life because she played such a big part in it. I will miss her laugh, her sense of humor, her advice, her spunk and her ability to always communicate what was on her mind. She was my Mother's youngest sister and the two of them made sure there was plenty of cousin time when we were growing up despite the distance between our families. I'll love her forever. My sympathy to all of her family as they attempt to come to terms with her loss. God Bless You All. Love, Paula"
In loving memory of
Clara Mae Truog
April 18, 1924 - May 15, 2017
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at the Joyce Funeral Home. Burial is in Rush Lake Cemetery, Curlew. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.
Clara Mae Truog, long time resident of Mallard passed away on May 15, 2017 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg. At 93 years young, she was still living independently in her home at Mallard.
Clara was born on April 18, 1924 in Latta, SC to Joseph and Eveline (Jackson) Weatherford. At a very early age, Clara's mother passed away and her father married her step-mother, Lester Hodges. She grew up on a small farm near Latta, SC with her two sisters, Pauline and Christine; and five brothers: Houston, Alton, Talmage, Herbert and Joe. At eight years of age, she was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Clara went to school in Latta and upon graduation from Latta High School, she went to Miami, FL to live with her sister, Christine and brother-in-law, Mac. She quickly gained employment and enjoyed life in the city. While in Miami, her brother-in-law, Mac introduced her to the love of her life, Dean Truog. Dean was in the Navy, stationed in Miami, where he attended church with Mac.
Dean and Clara were eventually married in Houston, TX on July 8, 1945. Soon after World War II ended and Dean was discharged from the Navy, they moved to Mallard where they began their life-long adventure of farming and raising a family. Clara and Dean had two children; son, Dean, Jr. and daughter, Pam.
Family was most important to Clara. As a homemaker and mother, she supported and guided her children as they grew into adulthood. Her love and support continued on to her seven grandchildren as she and Dean participated in their lives by loving and helping to care for them as babies. As they grew, they provided the best play place ever - the farm and house in Mallard. She cooked their favorite foods, went to their school and sporting events, and attended graduation ceremonies and eventually their weddings. Clara loved babies and was extremely proud of her fourteen great-grandchildren.
Other highlights in Clara's life included the summer driving trips back to South Carolina and Florida to spend time with her parents, sisters, brothers and extended family. Clara also enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. The growing and canning of tomatoes was one of her specialties. She loved shopping trips to Emmetsburg, Spencer and Fort Dodge in hopes of finding a good sale and going out for lunch.
Preceding Clara in death were her husband, parents, step-mother, four brothers and two sisters.
Clara is survived by her son, Dean (Sue) Truog of Estherville, IA; daughter, Pam (Bob) Prior, of Farmington Hills, MI; brother, Joe Weatherford of Latta, SC; grandchildren: Chad (Tania) Gordon, Aimee (Ted) Kahaian, Angee (Matt) Ludwa, Ryan (Teresa) Truog, Jeremy (Tatum) Truog, Alyson (Nick) Gruhlke and Ansley Prior; great-grandchildren: Blake, Bryce, Brooke and Beau Gordon; Tyler and Riley Kahaian; Ryan, Dylan and Keynan Ludwa; Tanner and Eli Truog; Olivia and Owen Truog; Lyla Gruhlke and many nieces and nephews.