Clara Beth Austin, age 76, of Hobart passed away Thursday, February 21, 2013 at the VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso, Indiana surrounded by her family. Clara was born August 13, 1936 in Muddy, Illinois a small community near Harrisburg, Illinois to the late Raymond L. "Boss" and Gladys M. (Yates) Tucker. Clara lived for her family and treasured spending time with her beloved grandson. She also enjoyed working on her family genealogy, picture and crossword puzzles.
She is survived by her two daughters Beth (Richard) McGhee of Portage and Kristine (Tom) McGhee of Lake Station; her grandson Justin Allen McGhee of Portage; one sister Raylene Wood of Melbourne, FL; one brother-in-law Ray Gilbert and several nieces, nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years Thomas E. Austin, her parents Raymond "Boss" and Gladys Tucker, one sister Carolyn Jean (Tucker) Gilbert and one brother-in-law William R. Wood.
Funeral Services for Clara will be Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 11:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart with Chaplain Craig Forwalter officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, February 25, 2013 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.