Clara Mae Matthews

     Clara Mae Matthews, 79,  (nee Schramm) of Lorain died Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Community Health Partner's Regional Medical Center following a brief illness.

     Mrs. Matthews was born in Oberlin, Ohio on October 21, 1929, the daughter of the late Frank G. and Minnie M. (nee Mahlke) Schramm. She was a graduate of Oberlin High School.

     She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. An active member of her church, Mrs. Matthews also taught Sunday School for more than 50 years, a member of the Sunago Fellowship, and a member of the former Missionary Circle.

     Mrs. Matthews was well known for writing and sending cards of encouragement to church members and friends. In the late 1960's, after learning of the plight of POW's during Viet Nam, she wrote to Washington DC to request a bracelet to support a missing soldier. She was sent a MIA bracelet for Sgt. Fred Schreckengost and continued to wear the bracelet until her passing, Sgt. Schreckengost has never been located. 

     She was a homemaker and a talented pianist. She was the accompanist for the Kitchen Kuties: a group  that regularly played and sang "Oldies" music at 18 different nursing homes in Lorain and Erie Counties. She enjoyed reading her Bible and caring for others. She collected Mickey Mouse Memorabilia. 

 
     Mrs. Matthews is survived by her husband, Clyde E. Matthews to whom she was married on June 26, 1948, her son  Kenneth A (Kimberly) Matthews of Sheffield Village, and a granddaughter Valerie Wright, and a great granddaughter Amber, a brother-in-law Earl Matthews of Lakewood, nieces and nephews Barbara Matthews, Carolyn Matthews Scott, Tim Matthews, Gary Matthews and Terry Matthews and their families.

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister Phyllis Matthews.

     Friends may call Monday, June 29, 2009 from 4-8 pm at the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain.

     Funeral Services will be Tuesday at 10:30 am in the funeral home with Pastor Chris LaLonde, pastor of the Faith United Methodist Church,  officiating.

     Mausoleum Encryptment will follow in Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon.

     The Family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 2201 Reid Avenue, Lorain, Ohio  44052.

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