CLARA BELLE YOUNG

Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, Cantlon Otterness Funeral Home of Buffalo. Burial in Louisburg Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Clara Belle Young, daughter of the late William Bert and Ethel (Vest) Hamlet, was born on August 26, 1932 in Buffalo, MO, and departed this life on April 21, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO. At the time of her passing she was 83 years, 7 months, and 25 days of age.

Clara was reared and attended school in Buffalo and later Louisburg till her Junior year of High School. She met Earl Young and they were united in marriage on June 12, 1949, and to this union two sons were born, both of whom survive her. They made their home in Louisburg on a dairy farm they worked together.

Earl took a job in Kansas City for a short time before they returned to work the dairy farm in Louisburg. After returning to the farm in Louisburg, Clara took a job as a school bus driver for the Dallas County R-1 school district, and drove her bus for more than 30 years.

Clara loved baking her pies, and she was famous for her banana split cake and chicken and noodles. She also enjoyed quilting, working with her flowers, and watching her hummingbirds.

She loved the holidays, especially Christmas. She made a stocking for every family member. She also enjoyed having kids come to her door for Halloween. Every year she would make over 300 popcorn balls to pass out.

She was very active with the Louisburg Lions Club and made the batter for the fish sandwiches at the Louisburg Picnic for as long as she was able. Clara was a member of the Louisburg Christian Church for over 50 years.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her parents; and two sisters-in-law: Florene Hamlet and Margaret Hamlet.

She is survived by her two sons: Leroy and wife, Brenda Young of Buffalo, MO and James Young of Springfield, MO; two brothers: D. W. “Tuff” Hamlet of Louisburg, MO and Rex Hamlet of Louisburg, MO; eight grandchildren: Angela West and Jonnie West, Ginny and husband, Bill Hasha, Russ and wife, Angela Young, Ryan and wife, Monica Young, Debbie and husband, David Foster, Sandi and husband, Jerad Reese, Gary Finley and Lyndsey Tinen, and Rick and wife, Edrie Finley; 20 great-grandchildren: Justin and wife, Brooke, Andrew, Vance, Maegan, James, Tyler, Isabella, Isaiah, Taylor, Amanda, Greg, Matthew, Cody, Trevor, Landon, Paxton, Madison, Joel, Katelyn and Colton; two great-great-grandchildren: Ryleigh and Asher; four nieces: Cheryl, Shelly, Debbie and Kathie; and one nephew, Brent. She also leaves other family members and many friends who will all truly miss her.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at the Cantlon Otterness Funeral Chapel with Rev. David Miller and Pastor Jennifer Long officiating.

Escorts will be Billy Payne, Brent Hamlet, Bill Hale, Paul Sales, Bob Beck, and Drew Keith. Honorary Escorts will be Mike Hammerbacher, Don Roberts, Brett Palen and Morris McGregor.

Music will be provided by Cheryl Roberts, Shelly Palin, Scott Hammerbacher and Susan Potter. Interment will be in the Louisburg Cemetery under the direction of the Cantlon Otterness Funeral Home of Buffalo.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at the Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions may be made out to the Louisburg Cemetery and left with the Funeral Home. Condolences and online register book entries may be left at www.cantlonotterness.com.

(Paid memorial provided by family and friends)