Clara O. Proske

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clara Proske, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, on August 28, 2020.

She lived for 83 years in the company of those that she loved the most. She left us from her home in Houston, Texas.

She was born in 1937 in Nacogdoches, Texas to Willie and Mildred Phillips. Clara was the eldest of 10 children and, as the eldest, quickly took on the role of additional caregiver, doting on her younger siblings. This was a role that she would continue for her life, with her siblings, her own children, her granddaughter, and her great-grandchildren.

After a whirlwind 6-week courtship, Clara married the love of her life, Gilbert, on June 17, 1956. Clara’s aunt and close friend Bessie Coats Proske introduced her to Gilbert, whom Bessie described as a hard-working family man who would adore Clara. And adore her he did – just as she adored him. Clara and Gilbert had two children, Dora and Gilbert, Jr. (who is still, possibly much to his chagrin, affectionately called Bubba). Clara and Gilbert, Sr. raised their children to prioritize family, church on Sundays, family dinners, education, and family road trips. Clara gained a second daughter in 1981, when Bubba married Becky Schautschick.

While Gilbert and Clara’s marriage ended with Gilbert’s death in 2004, Clara continued to love him with her whole heart through the end of her life and shared this love with those around her. Before Gilbert’s passing, he promised to meet her at the gates of Heaven when her time came. We are confident he was waiting for her because of the honor they had for each other, and besides, Clara insisted. We are thankful their romance will continue eternally.

In addition to her children, Clara had one granddaughter, Cassandra, whom she cherished immensely. Clara often said she did not fully understand how much love could grow until having a grandchild. In 2007, Cassandra married James McGarvey and Clara was elated to have a grandson. Her joy grew when Cassandra and James had three children: Clara Margrethe, Lorelei Elizabeth, and William Gilbert. We are not sure how it was possible for her to love the three great-grandchildren as much as she did – but somehow - her love just grew.

Clara is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Proske; her parents, Willie Lee and Mildred Phillips; and siblings, Mattie Phillips, Earline Phillips, and Walter Phillips.

She is survived by her loving children Dora Reid, and Gilbert Proske, Sr. and wife, Becky; grandchild Cassandra McGarvey, and husband James; great-grandchildren Clara, Lorelei, and William McGarvey; and numerous nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and great-nephews.

Although Clara loved flowers, she loved people more. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to Trinity Lutheran Church Homebound Ministry (she loved Pastor Black’s frequent visits) or the Lutheran Education Association of Houston.