Clara A. Wilgus, 88, of Ferdinand, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at her home in Ferdinand under the care of Heart to Heart Hospice.
Clara was born May 12, 1931, in Troy to Erwin and Gertrude (Bergman) Lamar. She was united in marriage with Paul Wilgus on April 11, 1953 in Troy. Paul preceded her in death on February 14, 1981.
A member of Christ the King Parish, St. Ferdinand Church, she retired as a cook at Forest Park High School and was a charter member of Ferdinand Home Economics Club. She was the Salutatorian of the Tell City High School class of 1949. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, reading, cooking and was an avid bird watcher.
Surviving are five daughters, Patti (Maarten) Bos of Sarasota, FL, Mona (Kenny) Elder of Tell City, Terry Brinker and fiancé Wayde Jones of Evansville, Sandy (Tony) Waninger of Fulda, and Marci (Michael) Hansen of Ferdinand; two sons, Rick (Tonya) Wilgus of Evansville and Ron (Shelly) Wilgus of Schnellville; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Linda Lamar of Arkansas and brother-in-law, Charlie (Sue) Wilgus of Tell City. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Her caregivers included Ruth Sickbert, Angie Rahman, and Denise Schnell.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Wilgus; a great-grandson, Corbin Sarfos; brothers, Albert, Marty and Paulie Lamar; and a sister, Agnes (Bootz).
A mass of Christian burial for Clara Wilgus was held Saturday, January 25, in St. Ferdinand Church with burial following in the church cemetery. Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand was in charge of all arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.
