This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: ROSCOE, BREWER, HAYES, WIDEMAN, VAFI, WATTERS, JOAQUIN Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lNB.2ACI/4238 Message Board Post: Clara Cecelia Hayes of Richwoods, MO departed this life in DeSoto at the Villas Nursing Home on Monday, January 16, 2006 having reached the age of ninety-four years, four months and nine days. Clara was born in St. Charles County, MO September 7, 1911, a daughter of Clement Albert and Estella Theresa (Roscoe) Brewer. As a young woman she was united in marriage and blessed with two children. On March 27, 1939 she was united in marriage to Anthony "Fritz" Hayes, and two daughters came to bless this union. Clara is survived by three daughters, Martha Jane Wideman of St. Louis, MO; Laura Adele Hayes of Richwoods, MO and Mary Antonia Vafi of Webster Groves, MO; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; twenty-one great great grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Clara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Anthony Hayes; one daughter, Virginia Watters; one son-in-law, George Wideman; two brothers, Robert and Bertram Brewer and one sister, Alberta Joaquin. Clara was a Christian who, throughout her adult years, served her family as a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She contributed greatly by sewing clothing for her husband and children, and by canning fresh produce. She was a woman of many interests and abilities. Clara enjoyed playing the piano, listening to classical music and watching the opera. She also found fulfillment in reading, writing and public speaking. As an animal lover, she was endeared to her cat, "Buster." Although described as somewhat stoic, Clara was always a lady, and known to possess the heart of a true humanitarian. A devoted and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, great and great great aunt, cousin and friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all that knew and loved her. Private memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2006 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair, MO with Rev. Chauncey Clay officiating. Independent Journal, Potosi, MO, Thursday, February 16, 2006