Clara Ohmes

CHARLESTON -- Clara Marie Ohmes, 88, died at 11 a.m. April 14, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Born Nov. 15, 1916, in Charleston to the late George Andrew and May Dye McElmurry, she had lived in Charleston her entire life where she was a member of the First Baptist Church, active in the W.M.U. 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 employed as secretary to Dr. Charles E. Rolwing from 1938 until 1969.

On June 14, 1942, she married Benjamin Henry Ohmes who preceded her in death on Dec. 23, 1971.

Survivors include: one sister, Emma Lou Ayers of Charleston; her 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; and Joyce Long; and a number of great, great-great and great-great-great nieces and nephews.

Two brothers, Cecil McElmurry and Harry McElmurry; and one sister, Edna Thompson, also preceded her in death.

Friends may call after 1 p.m. Saturday at the 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 the IOOF Cemetery.

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

Paid obituary