Clara Marie Pray

Clara Pray, 94, formally of Hoagland passed away peacefully at St. Anne Communities in Fort Wayne on June 16, 2024 surrounded by her family. Clara was born on March 20, 1930 to Arthur and Madeline (Schmitt) Theismann, Sr. after graduating from Central Catholic High School, Clara married the love of her life Robert Pray in 1951. They built a house and raised a family near Hoagland. They joined the St. Joe Hessen Cassel Parrish and lived happily until Bob's death in 2001. Clara was a homemaker while her children were growing up. Bob and Clara put in a huge garden every year and Clara would put up many vegetables and peppers. She also canned chili sauce and made her own jelly. In later years she decided to join the work force working at an Adjustment Bureau, International Harvester and Ambassador Greeting Cards for a few years. Bob and Clara took many road trip adventures in their red convertible; sometimes by themselves and sometimes with dear friends. Clara loved sitting on her porch swing and feeding her hummingbirds. Clara also was honored to be a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the American Legion Post 241 in Waynedale. She enjoyed her monthly luncheons with her Red Hat friends and she also volunteered for many years at St. Joe Hospital and the St. Joe Hessen Cassel Food Bank.

Clara is survived by her son, Larry (Linda) Pray, Hoagland and her daughter, Doris (Ron) Huguenard Sr., Fort Wayne. Clara is also survived by her brother Arthur (Carol) Theismann, Jr., Fort Wayne and six grandchildren: Michelle (Jon) Boroff, Tony (Sabrina) Morris, Chris (Rita) Pray, Monica (Jay) Rauner, Greg (Tabitha) Pray, Sam Pray and 15 great grandchildren.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Bob.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Tuesday June 25, 2024, at St. Joseph Hessen Cassel Catholic Church 11337 US Hwy 27 Fort Wayne, IN with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Monday June 24, 2024, with a Rosary at 6pm at D.O. McComb and Sons Foster Park Funeral Home 6301 Fairfield Ave. Fort Wayne, IN. Burial at St. Joseph Hessen Cassel Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Hessen Cassel Church food bank or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com

Special thanks to the entire staff at St. Anne's for taking such great care of Clara during her stay there. She was known and loved by everyone there.